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.
27 April, 2010
26 April, 2010
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.
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.
---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.
21 April, 2010
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.
15 April, 2010
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.
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.
14 April, 2010
The Strut
Turkey season is in full swing in Tennessee as of April 3 and, let me tell you the hunters were lined up at the starting gate as if they were to run the Preakness.
There’s an old adage that goes something like this. All birds that are harvested are earned, but some birds that are earned are not harvested.
Any turkey hunter understands this. There have been plenty of turkeys that were headed for the smoker or deep fryer that, at the last minute, decided not to come in range, runoff, fly off, walk away, got spooked by a coyote, etc. The bird was earned, but it wasn't harvested.
But I think the thought needs, well, rethinking. There are a few turkeys that are harvested, but whether or not they are earned is debatable.
---
Recently highlighted in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Nine-year-old Jeffrey Ryan Chesney had earned a turkey April 3, but probably not the one he slung over his shoulder about 8:15. He was hunting with his dad, Jeff, and their friend Eddie Williams and had worked a couple of different birds right off the roost. I know because I was hunting in a field not too far away.
While the Chesneys watched two gobblers walk away in a bit of green pasture, I was doing the same thing down a ridge and across a much bigger green pasture. They had birds close, but not anywhere near close enough.
About 8 that morning, after the gobbling had stopped, they decided to pick up and go try another farm. I could see them on the ridge, was in the process of moving myself, and went over to talk.
There was the normal turkey hunter chatter about what they saw and heard, what I saw and heard, and Jeffrey's tale of a bird he had missed a week earlier during the youth hunt. They were going somewhere else and I was going to run the ridges.
As I started to walk away one of them said "Look in your decoys." A jake had come from somewhere and was looking at the redheaded jake that was staked out beside a hen. Then he started walking … straight toward us.
The bird has to cover at least 250 yards to come in range and there are four people standing there without face masks, talking, smoking, chewing and generally not being in turkey-hunting mode. Nobody calls, there are no decoys on the short finger ridge and absolutely no reason for the jake to walk right to us.
But he does. At about 30 yards Jeffrey lowers the boom on him with his 20-gauge and the three adults look at each other like "I can't believe that just happened."
Jakes, like yearling bucks, aren't the brightest critters in the woods, but this one was dumb even by their standards.
No matter, Jeffrey Ryan Chesney went home with his first turkey and I doubt he would have been any happier with a 4-year-old longbeard.
---
New to Turkey hunting myself, there are many things that can be learned. Patience is the key above all. I’ve found hunting is 99% waiting, 1% action. Luckily turkeys cannot smell or they could pos more difficulty than the toughest buck. Mix your cards with discipline and you’ll be sittin’ pretty.
Like a friend of mine who went to scout a spot he and I are going to later this week at “Royal Blue” WMA. After checking out different areas to hunt, he sat down and called in 3 birds. Unfortunately they weren’t within range, some out were out of sight. Giving it one last try before heading back to Knoxville 3 monsters came strutting down a trail & the rest is dinner. Results below…
.jpg)
Some new gear for the year.
Found at: Ol' Tom
There’s an old adage that goes something like this. All birds that are harvested are earned, but some birds that are earned are not harvested.
Any turkey hunter understands this. There have been plenty of turkeys that were headed for the smoker or deep fryer that, at the last minute, decided not to come in range, runoff, fly off, walk away, got spooked by a coyote, etc. The bird was earned, but it wasn't harvested.
But I think the thought needs, well, rethinking. There are a few turkeys that are harvested, but whether or not they are earned is debatable.
---
Recently highlighted in the Knoxville News Sentinel, Nine-year-old Jeffrey Ryan Chesney had earned a turkey April 3, but probably not the one he slung over his shoulder about 8:15. He was hunting with his dad, Jeff, and their friend Eddie Williams and had worked a couple of different birds right off the roost. I know because I was hunting in a field not too far away.
While the Chesneys watched two gobblers walk away in a bit of green pasture, I was doing the same thing down a ridge and across a much bigger green pasture. They had birds close, but not anywhere near close enough.
About 8 that morning, after the gobbling had stopped, they decided to pick up and go try another farm. I could see them on the ridge, was in the process of moving myself, and went over to talk.
There was the normal turkey hunter chatter about what they saw and heard, what I saw and heard, and Jeffrey's tale of a bird he had missed a week earlier during the youth hunt. They were going somewhere else and I was going to run the ridges.
As I started to walk away one of them said "Look in your decoys." A jake had come from somewhere and was looking at the redheaded jake that was staked out beside a hen. Then he started walking … straight toward us.
The bird has to cover at least 250 yards to come in range and there are four people standing there without face masks, talking, smoking, chewing and generally not being in turkey-hunting mode. Nobody calls, there are no decoys on the short finger ridge and absolutely no reason for the jake to walk right to us.
But he does. At about 30 yards Jeffrey lowers the boom on him with his 20-gauge and the three adults look at each other like "I can't believe that just happened."
Jakes, like yearling bucks, aren't the brightest critters in the woods, but this one was dumb even by their standards.
No matter, Jeffrey Ryan Chesney went home with his first turkey and I doubt he would have been any happier with a 4-year-old longbeard.
---
New to Turkey hunting myself, there are many things that can be learned. Patience is the key above all. I’ve found hunting is 99% waiting, 1% action. Luckily turkeys cannot smell or they could pos more difficulty than the toughest buck. Mix your cards with discipline and you’ll be sittin’ pretty.
Like a friend of mine who went to scout a spot he and I are going to later this week at “Royal Blue” WMA. After checking out different areas to hunt, he sat down and called in 3 birds. Unfortunately they weren’t within range, some out were out of sight. Giving it one last try before heading back to Knoxville 3 monsters came strutting down a trail & the rest is dinner. Results below…
.jpg)
Some new gear for the year.
Found at: Ol' Tom
Texas Sized
Just in case you forgot how important football is in Texas look at Jerry Jones's $1.15 Billion playhouse for the Cowboys. Now Allen high school has pulled out the check book, residents will soon have a $59,600,000 stadium that will leave no doubt.
Next month in the booming north Dallas suburb, ground will be broken on a state-of-the-art, 18,000-seat facility that will feature two decks, a video scoreboard, four concession stands and 12 restrooms. It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012.
"The new stadium has been discussed for a number of years and the bond was passed. We are very excited to get this project done and get in there and play." Allen coach Tom Westerberg said.
The high school, built in 2000, has more than 600,000 square feet and serves 3,900 kids - and that's just between 10th and 12th grades. It is one of the largest in the state and the only one in the district.
"In Texas, funding is completely separate between capital projects and general (education) fund," he said. "If we don't build the stadium, none of that money could go to teachers or classrooms." Allen said.
America has its own educational struggles not to mention the scarcity of money but, Texas football isn't anything most can fathom.
"(The cost) may appear high to other parts of the country, but it compares to what people are doing here," he said. "It becomes an economy of scale."
Everything is bigger in Texas. High Schools, Football, Budgets, & Stadiums but is it large enough to support the nations hunger for football? I'm positive that stadium is large enough to seat every man, woman, and child in the booming metropolis of Greeneville, TN.
Clearly life is different in Texas than east Tennessee all I'm asking for is some prospects to be airmailed to Knoxville. The players wouldn't have to adjust much in the likes of facilities. Importance and scale of football are identically over the top, just ask the Kiffin family how the Vols look at football. We take things seriously in the Volunteer state, the statehood of Texas for example (Alamo). If it wasn't for Tennesseans defending the lively hood of Texans they would be speaking Spanish and kicking a ball around. Tennesseans would appreciate some compensation in the form of gridiron men will do. -No Homo-
In all seriousness, Texas is on another level. Another Planet. A place that passionate football fans would love to be. A place of Mythological proportions.
More information about Allen's new stadium can be found: Here
Next month in the booming north Dallas suburb, ground will be broken on a state-of-the-art, 18,000-seat facility that will feature two decks, a video scoreboard, four concession stands and 12 restrooms. It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012.
"The new stadium has been discussed for a number of years and the bond was passed. We are very excited to get this project done and get in there and play." Allen coach Tom Westerberg said.
The high school, built in 2000, has more than 600,000 square feet and serves 3,900 kids - and that's just between 10th and 12th grades. It is one of the largest in the state and the only one in the district.
"In Texas, funding is completely separate between capital projects and general (education) fund," he said. "If we don't build the stadium, none of that money could go to teachers or classrooms." Allen said.
America has its own educational struggles not to mention the scarcity of money but, Texas football isn't anything most can fathom.
"(The cost) may appear high to other parts of the country, but it compares to what people are doing here," he said. "It becomes an economy of scale."
Everything is bigger in Texas. High Schools, Football, Budgets, & Stadiums but is it large enough to support the nations hunger for football? I'm positive that stadium is large enough to seat every man, woman, and child in the booming metropolis of Greeneville, TN.
Clearly life is different in Texas than east Tennessee all I'm asking for is some prospects to be airmailed to Knoxville. The players wouldn't have to adjust much in the likes of facilities. Importance and scale of football are identically over the top, just ask the Kiffin family how the Vols look at football. We take things seriously in the Volunteer state, the statehood of Texas for example (Alamo). If it wasn't for Tennesseans defending the lively hood of Texans they would be speaking Spanish and kicking a ball around. Tennesseans would appreciate some compensation in the form of gridiron men will do. -No Homo-
In all seriousness, Texas is on another level. Another Planet. A place that passionate football fans would love to be. A place of Mythological proportions.
More information about Allen's new stadium can be found: Here
The Hat
Leslie Edwin Miles: Head Football Coach LSU, 2005-present
- Born November 10, 1953
- Also known as Lester & Les
The Mad Hatter
During the 2007 season, Miles received the nickname "The Mad Hatter," in reference to his risky play calling, outspoken nature and defiant attitude. The nickname is also a reference to his trademark white team baseball cap, which he has worn all through his coaching career. In response to his critically acclaimed play-calling, Miles stated that "if you have play-makers, you're obligated to turn them loose."
Has he had too much Mercury in his Mashed Potato's? Yes.
Les's Quotable Quotes:
"It's hard to use the word legend, but he certainly is an icon in coaching."
- LSUSports.net Dec 31, 2009
"There's a little bit of camp soreness going around on quarterbacks arms routinely at this time of year."
- The Times-Picayune Aug 22, 2006
"They understand there's been some times we've lost games around here and the response has always been good."
- The Advocate Nov 1, 2008
"The game looked a lot like I expected it to look upon review."
- LSUSports.net Oct 17, 2005
"The good news is that he's rounding into health."
- LSUSports.net Sep 24, 2008
"I've talked to a couple of mentors and gone with the same recipe that we have gone with other bowls."
- LSUSports.net Dec 19, 2007
"It's a joy when a guy works as hard, works unselfishly and does it over time, and then ends up playing, at some point in time, significant football."
- The Times-Picayune Aug 22, 2006
"I'm certain there are some memories of that last game in our stadium."
- The Decatur Daily Sep 16, 2006
"There is a piece of the puzzle that says if you gave everything you got and that opponent was a little better, then you understand."
- LSUSports.net Oct 16, 2006
"I'm trying to get that back. … I don't know if it's a comfortable generality that we're not hungry."
- The Advocate Nov 25, 2008
Inspirational words of wisdom from LSU's Head Football Coach can be found at: Hit It
- Born November 10, 1953
- Also known as Lester & Les
The Mad Hatter
During the 2007 season, Miles received the nickname "The Mad Hatter," in reference to his risky play calling, outspoken nature and defiant attitude. The nickname is also a reference to his trademark white team baseball cap, which he has worn all through his coaching career. In response to his critically acclaimed play-calling, Miles stated that "if you have play-makers, you're obligated to turn them loose."
Has he had too much Mercury in his Mashed Potato's? Yes.
Les's Quotable Quotes:
"It's hard to use the word legend, but he certainly is an icon in coaching."
- LSUSports.net Dec 31, 2009
"There's a little bit of camp soreness going around on quarterbacks arms routinely at this time of year."
- The Times-Picayune Aug 22, 2006
"They understand there's been some times we've lost games around here and the response has always been good."
- The Advocate Nov 1, 2008
"The game looked a lot like I expected it to look upon review."
- LSUSports.net Oct 17, 2005
"The good news is that he's rounding into health."
- LSUSports.net Sep 24, 2008
"I've talked to a couple of mentors and gone with the same recipe that we have gone with other bowls."
- LSUSports.net Dec 19, 2007
"It's a joy when a guy works as hard, works unselfishly and does it over time, and then ends up playing, at some point in time, significant football."
- The Times-Picayune Aug 22, 2006
"I'm certain there are some memories of that last game in our stadium."
- The Decatur Daily Sep 16, 2006
"There is a piece of the puzzle that says if you gave everything you got and that opponent was a little better, then you understand."
- LSUSports.net Oct 16, 2006
"I'm trying to get that back. … I don't know if it's a comfortable generality that we're not hungry."
- The Advocate Nov 25, 2008
Inspirational words of wisdom from LSU's Head Football Coach can be found at: Hit It
13 April, 2010
I dub thee 'Reggie Bush'
USC running back Dillon Baxter took a pitch to left side and scampered untouched into the end zone for a 52-yard touchdown during the team's spring scrimmage on Saturday.
After the scrimmage, new Trojans coach Lane Kiffin compared it to Reggie Bush's dazzling 2005 run against Fresno State.
Wait... Kiffin tagging Reggie Bush again? Who is the Origional 'Next Reggie Bush'? At USC, Joe McKnight, was a virtual Reggie clone as a massively hyped recruit in 2007, but only about half as productive in three largely disappointing seasons.
But time marches on, Kiffin is back in charge of the Trojans after missing the entire McKnight era, and the lure of acquiring and deploying the next generation of ultimate weapon hasn't diminished -- in fact, with early-enrolling, five-star freshman Dillon Baxter living up to high expectations during a "phenomenal" start to his first spring camp, the obligatory Bush comparison is alive and well.
The comparison means even more to Baxter because like Bush, he is from San Diego.
"It's an honor to be compared to Reggie Bush," Baxter said. "Hopefully, I'll get all these positions down. I'm not sure where I'll be playing. They're going to move me around once I get all the running back plays down."
All of these athletes are gifted but, it takes more than athletic ability to be 'Reggie Bush' or be compared to him. Here's a run down:
1) The Original: Reggie Bush's spectacular career at USC is on the verge of being tainted for recieveing monetary "gifts" ($300,000) and property. Lane Kiffin and Ed O recruited Bush while at USC.
2) The Stumble: Joe McKnight is his name, free cars from Marketing Execs. in LA is his game. This episode caused McKnight to miss the bowl game in 2009, his final season at USC (junior, leaving for NFL Draft).
3) The Heir: Dillon Baxter... Did he receive a 'Super Truck' as a signing bonus like this one 'Ocho Cinco' bought himself for his birthday? Maybe a horse trailer was included with some stallions to pull his chariot around the stadium after a TD?
Correlation?
On going NCAA investigations concerning Reggie's recruitment and "compensation" while at USC among other things could be a detrimental blow to USC. Rumors run wild but here is a scenario.
Failure to Monitor and LOIC
a) 12 wins vacated from the 2005 season
b) loss of 5 scholarships for 3 years
c) 1-year bowl ban
d) 5-years probation
Yet for Kiffin there is only one thing. How can I make myself look good through a college athlete? Why yes, I will ride his coattails.
Riding coattails is a metaphor that refers to the way in which lower level or uninspiring celebrities can often reach stardom through their ties to another, more popular and successful celebrity. This can often be used as a generic phrase for anyone that hangs onto another person as they forge ahead, without effort from the hanger-on.
To sponge, mooch, free load, skate by, or do absolutely nothing but watch while somebody else does all the work and still somehow try to take at least partial credit for something you had no hand in.
"No one has gone farther, faster, doing less than Lane Kiffin" - Jim Rome
Lane Kiffin will tag 'Reggie Bush' all the way to the grave, just like a washed up High School jock does 35 years after his prom.
Home Cooking
Cooking is a passion of mine, as some of you may know. There is nothing better than bringing everyone together for Thanksgiving dinner. Or throwing a slab of ribs on a charcoal grill at 10:00 am on an October Saturday morning in the shadow of Neyland Stadium with some of your buddies. Thankfully I was taught by some of the best. My family has a special way to bring everyone together over a meal. Recently my mother and sister were fortunate enough to have receipts selected for Trisha Yearwood's second cook book "Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood: Stories and Recipes to Share with Family and Friends" through my Aunt Beth (mothers sister-in-law), Trisha's sister. A previous recipet of my mother can be found in "Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen: Recipes from My Family to Yours".
I am slightly jealous nothing of my own was selected but, proud of my roots none the less. Below is one of my own submissions for the cook book... when made, it seems to generate a warm reception.
"3rd Saturday Dip"
1 Lb. Grated Cheddar Cheese
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1 Cup or Bunch Chopped Green Onion, chopped
1 Cup Chopped Georgia Pecans
1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
Mix ingredients and spread in a 9x9 dish.
Top with 1 jar of Strawberry Preserves.
Dip with Wheat Thins
This cookbook, along with others, can be found on Amazon or by clicking Here
I am slightly jealous nothing of my own was selected but, proud of my roots none the less. Below is one of my own submissions for the cook book... when made, it seems to generate a warm reception.
"3rd Saturday Dip"
1 Lb. Grated Cheddar Cheese
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1 Cup or Bunch Chopped Green Onion, chopped
1 Cup Chopped Georgia Pecans
1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
Mix ingredients and spread in a 9x9 dish.
Top with 1 jar of Strawberry Preserves.
Dip with Wheat Thins
This cookbook, along with others, can be found on Amazon or by clicking Here
Solid Career
Thank you for giving our walk-on linemen (which is all we have these days...?) plenty of snaps during your 4 year career, Nick Stephens. Best of luck to you at DI-AA Sam Houston State. Instead of a tongue tied Bob Kessling trying to relay #17's TD play-by-play, the 5th year would be riddled with trips to the trainer for splinter wounds. Tennessee is better off being led by a true Freshman or a Juco transfer than "Pick" Nick. The stat sheet would be filled with more ground hog deaths & mascot injuries than Passing TD's if the kid from Flower Mound, Texas were under center. Best of luck to your future, we know Tennessee is better off.
Personally: I'm happy Stephens won't be on the roster in 2010 for 1 reason more than others. Tennessee fans will not be able to say "(burp) Hell we'd be winnin' a SEC championship if that Dooley would play Stephens. I don't know why Fulmer, Kiffy, & Dooley think he's bad... he's the best thing to wear the orange since Peyton if they'd only give him a chance." He's a liability even on the bench.
Personally: I'm happy Stephens won't be on the roster in 2010 for 1 reason more than others. Tennessee fans will not be able to say "(burp) Hell we'd be winnin' a SEC championship if that Dooley would play Stephens. I don't know why Fulmer, Kiffy, & Dooley think he's bad... he's the best thing to wear the orange since Peyton if they'd only give him a chance." He's a liability even on the bench.
150 Year Wait
In December of 2000, 50 elk from Elk Island National Park were released into the rugged and beautiful Cumberland mountains of east Tennessee. That day marked the historic return of an animal that had been missing from the Tennessee landscape for almost 150 years. Since then, the TWRA has been monitoring the herd, anxious to see how well the new animals have adapted.
Each year TWRA personnel and countless volunteers collect information on the elk to determine herd growth. The past three years have shown promising signs that the herd is growing as had been hoped. It is estimated that close to 400 animals now roam free throughout the elk restoration zone.
The agency is working diligently with the USDA to secure additional animals to help supplement the herd and increase the rate of growth. At this time it is not known if the agency will be able to release additional elk into the North Cumberland WMA.
With or without these animals, the elk in Tennessee are here to stay!
---
2009 Welcomed "A Season to Remember" in the state of Tennessee. 5 lucky hunters were awarded a permit to hunt 1 elk in the North Cumberland area of Tennessee. 4 of these hunters won said permit through a drawing where each paid a $10 non-refundable fee to be entered. The 5th hunter was the highest bidder through an auction sponsored by the TWRA which rose to somewhere in the neighborhood of $15,000. All of these hunters bagged trophy size bucks accompanied by 15 minutes of fame, since all hunts have been rotated on various sports Television stations through outdoor shows.
In 2010 5 will experience something Tennesseans haven't since our 4th generation ancestors.
Below are some of the photos of the bone chilling Elk taken by a family friend. Needless to say there were some strange reactions driving home with the trophy hanging out the side of their truck.
To enter for the 2010 hunt visit the website dedicated to Tennessee Elk:
Hit It
Who is Phil?
-Yahoo Sports
As surely as the azaleas bloom, the adoring shouts will greet him on the first tee during the 2010 Masters.
Phil Mickelson will respond with his signature aw-shucks grin that he wears as faithfully as those golf shirts with the Callaway logo on his sleeve. Nowhere does he bask in the adulation like he has at Augusta National. He won his first major on the venerable course in 2004 and two years later claimed a second green jacket. The torrid love affair between him and golf fans sizzled, which is why that list must have stung.
Not the world rankings, which perpetually list Mickelson near the top, but rather GQ magazine’s 2006 list of “The Ten Most Hated Athletes.’’ Mickelson checked in at No. 8.
How is that possible, you might wonder, for a golfer who’s so clearly a fan-favorite? The magazine focused on Mickelson’s standing among his fellow pros and, anonymously, quoted a reporter saying, “He annoys everybody.”
Then, a year after the GQ list was published, there was the 2007 Sports Illustrated player survey, in which fellow pros voted Mickelson as their second least favorite playing partner – a distant second behind universally despised Rory Sabbatini, mind you, but tied for second nonetheless.
The massive galleries that will follow Mickelson only magnify golf’s great paradox: The same man who generates as much public affection as any on the PGA tour – yes, even Tiger Woods – seems less popular among his fellow pros.
Some see him as phony. Some see him as smug. Rob Mangini sees a deep misunderstanding.
“Nobody knows him,” said Mangini, who played college golf with Mickelson at Arizona State. “Nobody.”
Nobody, Mangini suggests, but his good friends. The ones who burned Mickelson’s polyester golf clothes soon after he arrived at Arizona State in 1989 because that was their solution to overhauling the wardrobe of a “golf geek.” The ones who cite acts of kindness, such as Mickelson’s decision to pay for Conrad Dobler’s daughter to attend college after learning the former NFL star was struggling financially. The ones who trade barbs with Mickelson as comfortably as they trade pleasantries, with Mangini saying that he would likely greet his college buddy as follows:
“Just please stay fat, Phil. You have a hot wife, a great family, a G5, three majors and the privilege of doing whatever you want in life. Just stay fat. Because if you get skinny I’ll really have a complex about what a failure I am in life.”
With that, Mangini burst out laughing, as if to reinforce that adoring fans have it exactly right – that Mickelson is a genuine, generous and jolly good fellow who deserves their praise, not derision – and that the GQ list and SI survey were way off base. He suggests any animosity from Mickelson’s peers stems from those jealous over a man who has it all: the attractive wife, Amy, the three cute children, the Gulfstream Jet ready to take off at a moment’s notice and upward of $100 million in prize money and income from endorsements.
But money can’t buy Mickelson love from everyone.
Vijay Singh, when asked during a 2005 interview on “HBO: Real Sports” why he, unlike Mickelson, rarely smiles, tartly replied, “Is that the real Phil?”
Answering the question might be more difficult than winning the green jacket.
As Steve Pate, a longtime pro, put it: “Sorry, but nobody smiles that much without trying.”
Howard Twitty, a former tour player, sees it differently.
“Phil has a great knack for hitting a spectacular shot and to give a smile that people connect with,” Twitty said. “In that respect, when he’s on the golf course, I think he kind of opens up and lets people into his world. Most great players don’t let people into their world on the golf course.
“A lot of us are so used to competing that we are strictly into competition. There’s no question Phil is 100 percent into the competition. But a part of him also is into kind of the show and the spectacle.”
One thing is clear: The reporter quoted anonymously in the GQ article got it dead wrong when he said, “Phil Mickelson literally has no friends out there.” Not only does he have friends, he has fierce loyalists.
Chris DiMarco, for one. During a recent interview, DiMarco launched into a strong defense of the world’s No. 2 golfer.
“The difference between him and Tiger, Phil’s very businesslike and Phil handles himself a little differently,” DiMarco said. “He smiles and, I don’t know how to say it in the right way, but Phil, he’s just a great guy. He does a great job for the sport.”
So there we go again. Even when it comes to on-course comportment, this is how it breaks down: Phil vs. Tiger, Tiger vs. Phil.
Mickelson occasionally trades high-fives with fans. Woods rarely makes eye-contact, much less physical contact. Mickelson signs autographs until the Sharpies dry out. There’s no need for Woods to carry a Sharpie; he doesn’t sign autographs on the golf course.
Yet in the clubhouse, it’s Woods, not Mickelson, who’s more frequently seen mingling with his counterparts.
“Phil has intentionally isolated himself from most of the guys,” former PGA champ Mark Brooks said. “Whether that’s right or wrong, it works for him.
“His time is so valuable. He’s chosen not to spend it doing the camaraderie thing. I’m not criticizing him. It’s just a choice he’s made and it’s probably affected his locker room reputation more than anything else.
“And the jealousy thing. Guys are jealous. They can’t help but be.”
“Phil has intentionally isolated himself from most of the guys. Whether that’s right or wrong, it works for him.”
In 2003, for example, Mickelson said he was complimenting Woods when he said the following: “He has a faster swing speed than I do, but he has inferior equipment. Tiger is the only player who is good enough to overcome the equipment he’s stuck with.”
Pardon Woods for not thanking Mickelson for the “compliment” that included an indirect shot at Nike, the company that manufactured Woods’ “inferior equipment” and pays Woods tens of millions a year to endorse its products. Furthermore, at the time of the remark, Mickelson had yet to win a major. Woods had won eight.
Then there was what he said to John Cook after Cook won the 2001 Reno-Tahoe Open.
“He said, ‘Congratulations on your win at Reno but they really should never have events like that opposite the World Golf Championship event,’ ” Cook relayed. The remark irked Cook, who was thrilled to have won at the age of 44. “I said, ‘You know what? If anybody else had been at that tournament, I would have beat their ass, too.’ I don’t know if he ever thinks that someone’s going to come back and disagree with him. I just never really felt he had much respect for any other player, except for maybe Tiger.”
Mickelson had been a vocal critic of opposite-field events, the less prestigious tournaments held in the same week of the more lucrative events in which Mickelson and the other top players compete. In Mickelson’s view, those events water down the PGA Tour’s product.
“I want to put this in a nice way,” golfer Steve Stricker said, pausing. “Phil’s got opinions on a lot of things.”
One longtime tour observer compared Mickelson to a kid who sits in the front row of class, the better to be seen by the teacher and demonstrate he has answers to all of the questions.
But even those who brand Mickelson a know-it-all must confess he knows a lot. He’s a voracious reader whose friends think might have a photographic memory. Mangini, for instance, recalls caddying for Mickelson during a tournament in Japan when Corey Pavin, the 1995 U.S. Open champion, was the other American headliner. During a pretournament cocktail party, with more than 1,000 guests on hand, Pavin took the stage first.
“Thank you very much for having me,” Mangini recalled Pavin saying.
Then Mickelson took the stage.
“Phil gets up and belts out about a 90-second thank you in Japanese,” Mangini said. ” … The whole place let out a roar, a roar of a cheer. I just sat there and go, ‘Dude, you got to be kidding me. When did you learn that?’ Learned it that day, memorized it that day.’ “
But there were no raucous cheers at a dinner that included Jack and Barbara Nicklaus during the 2007 Presidents Cup. With a captive audience of fellow players and the Golden Bear, Mickelson outlined his views on what to do about gas prices. It was another example that he has a lot more on his mind that just making birdies.
“He had a whole plan,” said Woody Austin, paired with Mickelson at the Presidents Cup. “He named names, how to do it, what he would do, how it would go about it, the whole bit. And he sounds very convincing, so I don’t know enough about it to know whether or not it was BS or whatever. But it was a whole spiel.”
Scott Verplank, who said he considers Mickelson a friend, says he knew nothing about Mickelson’s gas plan.
“He doesn’t tell me all those stories,” Verplank said. “He just tells that to guys that’ll listen, like Woody.”
During a round of interviews at the Northern Trust Open earlier this season, several pros expressed trepidation about saying anything even remotely critical of Mickelson. It’s a cloistered world, and few seemed willing to create any controversy. Noting that, fellow pro Paul Goydos pointed to the GQ list and Sports Illustrated survey and dismissed both because they relied on anonymous opinions and confidential votes.
“To be honest with you, we need people to voice opinions and to stand behind their opinions,” Goydos said, in a simultaneous nod to Mickelson and rebuke of those who criticize him only if granted anonymity. “There’s something to be said for people that are willing to say things and put their name out there.”
Enter Steve Williams, caddie for Tiger Woods.
In December, when asked for his opinion about Mickelson’s golf ability, Williams replied, “”I wouldn’t call Mickelson a great player ‘cause I hate the prick.” When a journalist called to confirm the remarks, Williams confirmed them and reiterated his disdain for Mickelson.
More than offend Mickelson, Williams’ remarks tested him.
It would have been one thing to criticize Mickelson behind closed doors, where he could have unholstered his rapier wit and carved up the perpetrator. But if Mickelson lashed out publicly, fans would have seen a different side of the doting father and husband – a side they might not like.
(I don't but I do know one thing)
For a more secure approach, stick with the staple of Augusta National. The Pimento Cheese sandwich.
She'll never disappoint and only sweeten the fair.
Til next year...
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