More Than A Game

Just got through watching "More Than A Game" last night and I've got to say, I give it 4 stars. The way the director weaves the main story and each players personal bio's is well done and seamless. If you haven't seen this movie I would recommend you watch it on netflix (free streaming right now) or go to your local dvd store because it's worth the time. Believe me, my wife, who isn't a sports fan enjoyed the movie and if she did I know all of you will.

Here are a few take away moments from the movie and if you haven't seen it and are planning to don't read any further.

1. One of the intriguing points of the movie is the impact the media scrutiny had on the team and specifically Lebron who was placed under the microscope. It's amazing how fickled the media are as you observe reporters first raising Lebron on a pedestal than deciding to turn on him after the "Hummer". Watching as grown men take pot shots at him in restaurants and wherever they played helped me to realize that James learned at a young age how quickly people can turn on you, which must have prepared him for his move out of Cleveland.
2. Another aspect of the movie that stood out was the relationship of the Fab 4. A story of loyalty and brotherhood, you learn throughout the movie how important their relationship on the court were to each other. How many of these young men faced challenges at home and utilized their love for each other and the game of basketball to overcome their challenges. This experience may be one of the reasons why James decided to play with people he called his friends and when Wade and Bosh chose Miami it may have been easier for him as he understood that wherever his friends were that's where he would be. (James and the others chose their high school because one of the Fab 4 (Dru) would have a better chance playing).
   

Again, I encourage anybody reading this to watch this movie and if you do, you'll learn more about the psyche of Lebron and what a team goes through when put under a microscope with extreme expectations. So go and watch it.

Reminiscing

On the day of its birth, the UFC caught the attention of many fans through its novelty and raw violence that filled the octagon. During its infancy there were little to no rules (no biting, eye gauging or head butting) and with the novelty of an open weight class, audiences were able to witness first hand whether or not size mattered. Fighters from many different disciplines faced off but unlike todays current crop of fighters, many possessed only one skill set and because of that many witnessed the power of Gracie Jiu Jitsu as it dominated the early UFC events.

Now fast forward to today. UFC has changed dramatically, from weight classes to new rules built to protect fighters, the fight game has changed. No longer are fighters asked to battle 4 times in one night (now they may fight 3 or 4 times in a year). With this progression, UFC has been able to hold events all over the country and around the globe but their success has come with a price. Now many fighters view fighting as a sport and has brought in concepts such as game plans and point fighting. These ideas has given birth to fighters stalling by laying and praying.

However, tonight as I watched Diego Sanchez square off against Martin Kampmann, I was reminded of the old days when fighters would stand toe to toe and wail on each other. These kinds of fights are what put butts in the seats and for these two warriors money in their pockets (Fight of the Night Bonus).

Thanks for the memory guys and I hope Diego is able to fix his face because that was one nasty cut.

Simplicity

This past weekend I was able to watch some high school baseball with my family. Our experience was filled with Hawaiian style baseball park food like spam musubi and chili. Surrounded by old timers (most of them were Japanese of course) and parents, which created an atmosphere that blasted me back to simpler times. A period in which playing baseball and hanging out with friends were the only things that mattered. I wasn't worried about finding a job or losing weight or any other crap that gets in the way of enjoying life. That time seemed to be enjoyable because it was simple. I wasn't worried about the future and so the present is what really mattered to me. Alas, when you become an adult, responsibilities don't go away, they just pile up and on top of each other day after day until finally you look up and realize you are way over your head and in quite a precarious position.

So what do I do? I keep it simple. Like my grandpa would always say, "Stick to the basics and everything else will fall into place." Of course he was referring to baseball but as we all know the sport of baseball is a great metaphor for life. As a fielder needs to bend his knees to pick up a ground ball, I need to do the basic, simple things to get my life moving forward again. For instance, opening my mouth and talking story with friends, family and former coworkers can help build a larger network to assist me in finding a suitable job. Something as simple as talking can lead to something, just as bending ones knees can help a player keep the ball from sneaking under his glove.

"Just keep it simple and everything else will fall into place." Thanks for the advice grandpa.

Sent Packing

When the news scrolled across the screen on ESPN announcing the trade of Kendrick Perkins, the first thought that popped into my head was Coach Doc's declaration to the NBA world, “They (Lakers) still have not beaten our starting five. Our starting five against the Lakers starting five has a ring. Tell him don’t forget that. We will be back strong and Perk will be there next year if there’s a Game 7” (Los Angeles Times, August 24, 2010).

Quite a bold and strong statement came crashing down today as Perkins was sent packing to Oklahoma for Jeff Green and the other guy. I guess there isn't going to be a Game 7 after all. This move just solidifies my belief that players such as Chris Paul and Dwight Howard should use the leverage they have as a superstar because once you're not those owners who sing your praises will one day send you packing. There is no such thing as loyalty in a professional sport. It's all about money and winning, in that order.

Entitlement: There's Enough To Go Around

With the possible lock out looming for the NFL, NBA superstars like Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony leaving their small market teams for the larger markets of Miami and New York and Mr. Yankee himself Derek Jeter wanting more money then he is currently valued. It's hard not to ask why. In a time of great economic struggles for most people in the country it's hard to stomach athletes complaining about a few million dollars or watching them leave your home town team for greener pastures while you are forced to watch a mediocre product compete for the possibility of drafting 1st overall. You might believe that the modern day athlete are nothing but spoiled brats who feel entitled, which I agree in some respects. However, if some fans were to look in the mirror they would find that they are infected with the entitlement bug just like these million dollar babies.

Only the side effects of an entitled fan is quite different from there athletic counterparts.

1. Amnesia are one of the first signs as fans forget that their loyalty only goes as far as their athlete produces. No one has every burned the jersey of a O-lineman or kicker.
2. Poor vision may accompany this disease when fans start losing sight of the fact that their contribution though substantial doesn't mean the players owe them anything. Do Walmart workers owe their customers (I know some customers would like to think so) and therefore, shouldn't be allowed to leave or seek out better employment.
3. A weakened empathetic system predisposes the fan to ignorance as he or she forgets that athletes have rights just like them and aren't cattle to do the bidding of their fans or owners for that manner. If a fan wanted to leave their job they could without having a line of coworkers standing outside the office burning his name tag.

So before fans start grumbling about their athletes look in the mirror and ask yourself if your coming down with anything.

Payback

There has been a lot of chatter in the media before the start of the season tomorrow about the dirty play of the Saints, specifically the beat down they placed on Brett Farve last year. Now Brett hasn't grumbled about it and he shouldn't because all it will get you is a bigger target on your back or in his case the ankle.

Do I think it was dirty? Yeah, but for those of you who have never played organized football, let me tell you, "It's a part of the game". Whether you like it or not, teams gear up and plan on trying to hurt your best offensive weapons. Heck, I can guarantee it's being taught to high school players across the nation right now. When you are in the heat of competition and emotions are high, it's not hard to twist a running backs ankle just enough to sprain it. I'm guilty of it.

And if the Vikings are pissed about the dirty play last year, instead of talking about it, they, specifically his defense should dish out some vigilante justice. Paint a big bulls eye on Drews' leg, head, whatever can break and hit it over and over again. Because the fact of the matter is that when Drew goes down the Saints hopes will be dashed for good. So less talking, more hitting.

As for the Offensive line, protect Farve like he was your mama. And what would you do if someone hit your mama? Would you talk about it or would you beat that guy down? Bottom line, eye for an eye. A cut block hear and there will stop a few pass rushers from coming in full throttle. Vikings got to get dirty if they want to beat the Saints because if they don't, the Saints will.

Are You Ready For Some Football

College football has arrived and there isn't a lack of story lines this upcoming season. From the reshaping of the Big Ten and Pac-10 to the possible BCS championship busters of Boise State and TCU. This season is shaping out to be one that shouldn't be missed.

Two games that I'll be watching today is Utah vs Pitt and Hawaii vs USC. The Utes and Pitt game could have an impact on TCU and their bid for a BCS bowl and possibly the championship game if they go undefeated. These types (nonBCS vs BCS) of games are important because they could shape the medias opinion of the strenght of a teams schedule. If the Utes win it would be a feather in the cap of the Mountain West Coference and gives TCU levearge if they and Boise were to go undefeated. I have a feeling, with Utah moving to the Pac-10 that they'll come out fired up to prove that they deserve to play with the big boys in a BCS conference. This game could end up being a low scoring, hard hitting figth to the finish.

In the late game today, Hawaii will face USC, which if history holds true, will end in a route. Like a true Warrior fan, I hold out hope that the Trojans won't be playing their "A" game since they have little to play for this year. If Hawaii hopes to win they'll have to throw the first punch and get off to a quick start. If not, Hawaii will be left in the dust once again.