It's too early to make season-long judgements on NBA and NHL. In the case of the NBA, they just started their regular season. Teams began playing games only last Tuesday. So, that's fourteen days or exactly two weeks. That's way too small of a period to make accurate assessments. For the NHL, their season began on October 8th. They've played for a little more than four weeks, 30 days. 30 days is a month so you have a larger sample size. However, it isn't big enough to predict a team or individuals performance over six months. Tomorrow, we'll look at the the NHL. Today, we'll examine the NBA.
In the NBA, teams have played between 6 and 8 games. Cleveland, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, San Antonio, New Orleans, L.A. Lakers, Golden State, Minnesota, and Denver have played the least number of games (6). That's 4 Eastern clubs and 6 Western clubs. 8 of the 15 eastern conference teams and 8 of the 15 western conference teams have played the median number of games (7). If you're good with math than you know this without thinking and better than me getting headaches over single numbers. Three teams from the East {New York, Chicago, and Indiana} and one team from the West {Utah} have played the most number of games (8).By the way, I have a headache as I type this. No sarcasm garbage here.
The Cleveland Lebrons...errr...the Cavaliers started losing three of their first four games. ESPN commentators were debating whether we should be concerned, uh...no. Let's not get carried away. Cleveland won on Friday in Denver. They were on a west coast road trip, 2-3 time zones away from Ohio. On Monday, they returned home and defeated New Orleans. Cleveland is 3-3 after a 1-3 start.
Injuries also play a role in misjudging teams based upon success in previous years and expectations for future years. Two teams who exemplify this are the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Indiana is without All-Star Paul George for the season after breaking his right leg in a Team USA Basketball practice. In addition to George, the Pacers are missing David West, George Hill, C.J. Watson, and Rodney Stuckey due to injuries. OKC are without last season's NBA most valuable player Kevin Durant for an undetermined time, due to a fracture in his right foot, and fellow All-Star Russelll Westbrook broke his right hand during the first game of the season and is out for 4-6 weeks. The Thunder are 2-5 in the West while the Pacers are 2-6 in the East. Again, these teams aren't this bad, when your team's best players get hurt, the worse results occur in most cases. The good news is there are 82 games in the NBA regular season, nobody has played 10 games yet, forget 20, 30, or 40.
I would wait until around Christmas time to give a more well-rounded look at the NBA. That's six weeks. Am I that number-savvy? No...I counted the Tuesdays after this one and allegedly came up with six. I would then give a mid-season report card when everyone plays 41 games. Then, I want to reexamine after play on February 12. There's a break of six days between games due to the NBA All-Star Weekend and extended weekday break. Finally, check-ups are mandatory on March 1, April 1, and a full prognosis after games on April 15, the season's final night. I sound like a doctor, I don't play one on TV, just the Internet. Everybody, it's early, relax.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Steelers fans and sports media show lack of judgment in aftermath of loss vs. Jets
Depending upon how you look at things, either the Pittsburgh Steelers lost or the New York Jets won their head-to-head NFL matchup. There are reasons why the 1-8Jets defeated the 6-3 Steelers on Sunday. New York played its best game of the season. Arguably, Pittsburgh played their worst, they did lose at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September. That is the Bucs' only victory this season against eight losses. Maybe the Steelers played down to their competition. These are valid reasons explaining Sunday's outcome.
Here is the most-talked about reason for why the Steelers lost, singer Justin Bieber showed up at the team's bible study on Saturday. Yes, this is the reason why they didn't beat the Jets. I'm not whether to laugh or cry. It's so laughable that a person could bring bad luck to a team.
Sports fans believe in curses or jinxes. Announcers get criticized often for saying a pitcher throwing a no-hitter in baseball or a goalie is shutting out the opponent in hockey. Because the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees, Boston didn't win a World Series in baseball from 1918 to 2004. Yes, and I am 6'4", 220 pounds. I'm closer to 5'5" and 120, for the record. In reality, Boston had really successful teams but never the best team until 2004. The Jets haven't won a Super Bowl since 1969. They've just been bad to mediocre, no Joe Namath guarantee reverse jinx.
Steelers fans and sports media blaming the Steelers loss on Bieber meeting the team at a religious event is IDIOTIC, GUTLESS, AND HEARTLESS! Would these people say these things about their son, their brother, their cousin, their friend? Is it in spite? Is it jealously? HECK YEAH!What did Bieber do that was so wrong? All of the players who were in pictures with Bieber seemed to enjoy his company and vice-versa. Can't we all get along? Please, Bieber has done some bad things but is trying to make up for it now. Give him a chance.
Here is the most-talked about reason for why the Steelers lost, singer Justin Bieber showed up at the team's bible study on Saturday. Yes, this is the reason why they didn't beat the Jets. I'm not whether to laugh or cry. It's so laughable that a person could bring bad luck to a team.
Sports fans believe in curses or jinxes. Announcers get criticized often for saying a pitcher throwing a no-hitter in baseball or a goalie is shutting out the opponent in hockey. Because the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees, Boston didn't win a World Series in baseball from 1918 to 2004. Yes, and I am 6'4", 220 pounds. I'm closer to 5'5" and 120, for the record. In reality, Boston had really successful teams but never the best team until 2004. The Jets haven't won a Super Bowl since 1969. They've just been bad to mediocre, no Joe Namath guarantee reverse jinx.
Steelers fans and sports media blaming the Steelers loss on Bieber meeting the team at a religious event is IDIOTIC, GUTLESS, AND HEARTLESS! Would these people say these things about their son, their brother, their cousin, their friend? Is it in spite? Is it jealously? HECK YEAH!What did Bieber do that was so wrong? All of the players who were in pictures with Bieber seemed to enjoy his company and vice-versa. Can't we all get along? Please, Bieber has done some bad things but is trying to make up for it now. Give him a chance.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Arqam's Angle - Audio Edition
Today, we're going to try something a little bit different. Instead of one written post on a particular topic, we're going to give two audio posts on two different but similar topics regarding hockey coverage by the hockey media.
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First up, the hockey media's relationship with Washington Capitals player Alexander Ovechkin and comparisons between him and Pittsburgh Penguins player Sidney Crosby. (Length - 13:14)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPceUw5MEZDeHFubzR5N0xwbzZNMXB6LTExX1FV/edit
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Here is the second part of Arqam's Angle - Audio Edition.
This is about the NHL's and broadcast partner NBC's scheduling of the cable sports network's NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry. In addition, we discuss the branding of "Wednesday Night Rivalry". Is it completely accurate? (Length 15:46)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPcbHEtekJGUTJSaFBYajk0VHZYSnFObXZQYS1z/edit
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Please comment on if the audio file links do or don't work properly. Also, please give a few seconds for audio to start after hitting play. These were recorded off an iPhone. Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First up, the hockey media's relationship with Washington Capitals player Alexander Ovechkin and comparisons between him and Pittsburgh Penguins player Sidney Crosby. (Length - 13:14)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPceUw5MEZDeHFubzR5N0xwbzZNMXB6LTExX1FV/edit
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the second part of Arqam's Angle - Audio Edition.
This is about the NHL's and broadcast partner NBC's scheduling of the cable sports network's NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry. In addition, we discuss the branding of "Wednesday Night Rivalry". Is it completely accurate? (Length 15:46)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6iKgh1EqWPcbHEtekJGUTJSaFBYajk0VHZYSnFObXZQYS1z/edit
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please comment on if the audio file links do or don't work properly. Also, please give a few seconds for audio to start after hitting play. These were recorded off an iPhone. Thank you.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The Washington Redskins Vs. The Media
You would think the Washington Redskins would be a little more careful about public relations and media matters considering the never-ending debate about the team's nickname. After a stunning 20-17 overtime upset win over the rival Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago, everybody at Redskin Park should be happy. A two-game winning streak jumped Washington to a 3-5 record with two games against losing teams coming up, Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Well, this wouldn't be the Redskins if there wasn't some sort of circus. Where are The Flying Wallendas? Where is the fire-eating person? Where are the jugglers? I'm rambling.
Anyway, the Redskins announced injured QB Robert Griffin III would start this past Sunday's game against Minnesota or did they? Many local and national reporters claimed through anonymous sources that this was the case. This was Wednesday, two days after Dallas and four days before Minnesota. Later, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden informed the media that no decision had been made. Basically, Griffin would practice with the first team along with then-starter Colt McCoy. If the Redskins' coaches felt Griffin was healthy to play, they would start Griffin. If not, McCoy would start. This is typical behavior for a team with an injured starting QB and a backup QB filling in as the temporary starter. The problem, lack of understanding and communication to the media.
So, Gruden said a decision would be made on Friday. No problem. Friday comes, Gruden says Griffin is the starting QB versus Minnesota. No problem. Sunday comes, problem. Britt McHenry and Adam Schefter of ESPN both reported issues with the Redskins and Griffin. First, Schefter claimed the Redskins decision to start Griffin was not made by head coach Jay Gruden. Schefter said , on ESPN's pregame show and in a story written by ESPN.com staffers, that owner Daniel Snyder and general manager Bruce Allen made the decision. It was interesting because neither Snyder or Allen said anything publicly.
The ESPN.com story's first sentence read, "multiple members of the Washington Redskins organization told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter this week that they believe the decision to go back to quarterback Robert Griffin III and away from Colt McCoy, who had led the team to two straight wins, is an owner- and general manager-driven decision".
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11808434/call-start-robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-came-top
Now the word "believe" was used by the people who talked to Schefter. "Believe" is different than "told" or "said". Schefter was "told" by sources who "believe" the decision was from upper-level management. Do the sources know for a fact? Do they not know? Was the story made up by Schefter? Could it be a misunderstanding?
Well, McHenry's negative Redskins story was about how one person said "Griffin has alienated himself" from the rest of the team. This statement was in response to a bizarre incident when Griffin was speaking to reporters on Friday. A group of players yelled and screamed and cheered so loud for so long that the interview needed to be moved out of the locker room. Griffin and the reporters relocated to a nearby hallway where the screaming continued. None of the two sports radio stations, four D.C. TV stations, or around a dozen writers from various newspapers reported anything.
After the Redskins lost to the Vikings, 29-26, Gruden and Griffin both denied friction between the team and the QB and claimed Gruden made the decision to start Griffin. Okay, so, WHAT IS GOING ON? Is this the football version of the old TV game show, "To Tell the Truth"? Maybe it's the old "Truth or Consequences" hosted by famed "The Price is Right" host Bob Barker? Well, I don't know whose telling the truth but there are consequences (thank you, I'll be at the DC Improv on Friday night, sarcasm).
Anyhow, this bizarre mystery gets even more mysterious when 106.7 The Fan's Redskins beat reporter Brian McNally says it wasn't directed at Griffin. Better yet, the group of shouting players were mad at the media. An athlete mad at a reporter, never hear or see that a lot in sports. Insert your joke, wait, I just did. McNally explained there was ongoing tension between the players and the Redskins PR department/news media.
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/11/03/another-pr-debacle-involving-rgiii-and-the-washington-redskins/
Among the highlights or lowlights were... "We’re trying to conduct an interview with Robert Griffin III in the middle of the locker room, and to have 12 to 15 guys just making a ruckus, yelling nonsense, interrupting what we were trying to do; it wasn’t funny — I don’t care what Ryan Clark said, I’ll go at him next time I see him, it’s ridiculous — it wasn’t lighthearted.”
In addition, McNally was asked by the radio hosts if the Redskins demanded he and other reporters to keep quiet. He told the station they reporters were "asked" but not "told" to not say anything if the Redskins punished their players behind closed doors. It was to be an agreement between and the media. In an interesting note, Britt McHenry, the ESPN reporter who reported the ruckus is based in the local Washington, D.C. area but acted as a national media person. McNally didn't single out McHenry and admitted a personal bias on her behalf while discussing the incident.
McNally sounded angry more toward the players involved at the end of one answer stating, “trust me, that bargain would not have been struck if any reporter thought that that was not going to be nipped in the bud, and I think Robert even referenced that — I think he said that in his press conference yesterday, that will not happen again, and it better not happen again". The question has to be asked, why did the local media not refuse the Redskins request to keep it private? Were the reporters afraid of more player backlash? For one thing, it didn't look good.
So, the Washington Redskins have insulted Native Americans by defending their racist team nickname, insulted their fans with two decades of mostly losing football, and insulted the local media with the actions of a few players. If it wasn't for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings, the Redskins would win "Most Embarrassing Off-Field Behavior and PR for 2014".
In my opinion, Washington is a screwed-up organization with tons of locker room and media issues to fix. However, the Ravens, 49ers, and Panthers all planned on playing key star players (Ray Rice-Ravens, Ray McDonald-49ers, Greg Hardy-Panthers) following domestic violence arrests until media backlash forced them to change their mind. The Vikings in the month of September, Washington's opponent last week, were going to start Adrian Peterson the week after not allowing him to play due to a child abuse arrest then suspended him after fans protested.
At least, Washington hasn't had any arrests or suspensions for off-field conduct. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! Yes, that was completely sarcastic.
The Washington Redskins ownership, front office, public relations staff, coaches, and players need to show better cooperation and understanding with the media. The media are two-fold. Local reporters need to stand up for themselves and not let the team dictate things. National reporters need to use better perspective of a local story in relation to a national audience. They also have to provide names when mentioning sources. This is sports, this is professional football, nobody is exchanging political or military plans which could affect the world. It's one football team in one professional football league. People's lives and/or professional careers should not be at risk.
It's bad enough for a football team when they're 3-6 with only 7 games left, it's worse when that isn't even the main story.
Anyway, the Redskins announced injured QB Robert Griffin III would start this past Sunday's game against Minnesota or did they? Many local and national reporters claimed through anonymous sources that this was the case. This was Wednesday, two days after Dallas and four days before Minnesota. Later, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden informed the media that no decision had been made. Basically, Griffin would practice with the first team along with then-starter Colt McCoy. If the Redskins' coaches felt Griffin was healthy to play, they would start Griffin. If not, McCoy would start. This is typical behavior for a team with an injured starting QB and a backup QB filling in as the temporary starter. The problem, lack of understanding and communication to the media.
So, Gruden said a decision would be made on Friday. No problem. Friday comes, Gruden says Griffin is the starting QB versus Minnesota. No problem. Sunday comes, problem. Britt McHenry and Adam Schefter of ESPN both reported issues with the Redskins and Griffin. First, Schefter claimed the Redskins decision to start Griffin was not made by head coach Jay Gruden. Schefter said , on ESPN's pregame show and in a story written by ESPN.com staffers, that owner Daniel Snyder and general manager Bruce Allen made the decision. It was interesting because neither Snyder or Allen said anything publicly.
The ESPN.com story's first sentence read, "multiple members of the Washington Redskins organization told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter this week that they believe the decision to go back to quarterback Robert Griffin III and away from Colt McCoy, who had led the team to two straight wins, is an owner- and general manager-driven decision".
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11808434/call-start-robert-griffin-iii-washington-redskins-came-top
Now the word "believe" was used by the people who talked to Schefter. "Believe" is different than "told" or "said". Schefter was "told" by sources who "believe" the decision was from upper-level management. Do the sources know for a fact? Do they not know? Was the story made up by Schefter? Could it be a misunderstanding?
Well, McHenry's negative Redskins story was about how one person said "Griffin has alienated himself" from the rest of the team. This statement was in response to a bizarre incident when Griffin was speaking to reporters on Friday. A group of players yelled and screamed and cheered so loud for so long that the interview needed to be moved out of the locker room. Griffin and the reporters relocated to a nearby hallway where the screaming continued. None of the two sports radio stations, four D.C. TV stations, or around a dozen writers from various newspapers reported anything.
After the Redskins lost to the Vikings, 29-26, Gruden and Griffin both denied friction between the team and the QB and claimed Gruden made the decision to start Griffin. Okay, so, WHAT IS GOING ON? Is this the football version of the old TV game show, "To Tell the Truth"? Maybe it's the old "Truth or Consequences" hosted by famed "The Price is Right" host Bob Barker? Well, I don't know whose telling the truth but there are consequences (thank you, I'll be at the DC Improv on Friday night, sarcasm).
Anyhow, this bizarre mystery gets even more mysterious when 106.7 The Fan's Redskins beat reporter Brian McNally says it wasn't directed at Griffin. Better yet, the group of shouting players were mad at the media. An athlete mad at a reporter, never hear or see that a lot in sports. Insert your joke, wait, I just did. McNally explained there was ongoing tension between the players and the Redskins PR department/news media.
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/11/03/another-pr-debacle-involving-rgiii-and-the-washington-redskins/
Among the highlights or lowlights were... "We’re trying to conduct an interview with Robert Griffin III in the middle of the locker room, and to have 12 to 15 guys just making a ruckus, yelling nonsense, interrupting what we were trying to do; it wasn’t funny — I don’t care what Ryan Clark said, I’ll go at him next time I see him, it’s ridiculous — it wasn’t lighthearted.”
In addition, McNally was asked by the radio hosts if the Redskins demanded he and other reporters to keep quiet. He told the station they reporters were "asked" but not "told" to not say anything if the Redskins punished their players behind closed doors. It was to be an agreement between and the media. In an interesting note, Britt McHenry, the ESPN reporter who reported the ruckus is based in the local Washington, D.C. area but acted as a national media person. McNally didn't single out McHenry and admitted a personal bias on her behalf while discussing the incident.
McNally sounded angry more toward the players involved at the end of one answer stating, “trust me, that bargain would not have been struck if any reporter thought that that was not going to be nipped in the bud, and I think Robert even referenced that — I think he said that in his press conference yesterday, that will not happen again, and it better not happen again". The question has to be asked, why did the local media not refuse the Redskins request to keep it private? Were the reporters afraid of more player backlash? For one thing, it didn't look good.
So, the Washington Redskins have insulted Native Americans by defending their racist team nickname, insulted their fans with two decades of mostly losing football, and insulted the local media with the actions of a few players. If it wasn't for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings, the Redskins would win "Most Embarrassing Off-Field Behavior and PR for 2014".
In my opinion, Washington is a screwed-up organization with tons of locker room and media issues to fix. However, the Ravens, 49ers, and Panthers all planned on playing key star players (Ray Rice-Ravens, Ray McDonald-49ers, Greg Hardy-Panthers) following domestic violence arrests until media backlash forced them to change their mind. The Vikings in the month of September, Washington's opponent last week, were going to start Adrian Peterson the week after not allowing him to play due to a child abuse arrest then suspended him after fans protested.
At least, Washington hasn't had any arrests or suspensions for off-field conduct. One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! Yes, that was completely sarcastic.
The Washington Redskins ownership, front office, public relations staff, coaches, and players need to show better cooperation and understanding with the media. The media are two-fold. Local reporters need to stand up for themselves and not let the team dictate things. National reporters need to use better perspective of a local story in relation to a national audience. They also have to provide names when mentioning sources. This is sports, this is professional football, nobody is exchanging political or military plans which could affect the world. It's one football team in one professional football league. People's lives and/or professional careers should not be at risk.
It's bad enough for a football team when they're 3-6 with only 7 games left, it's worse when that isn't even the main story.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
CBS confuses and frustrates viewers with hypocritical NFL bonus coverage
CBS Sports is usually good with their NFL coverage in regard to game distribution to markets and bonus coverage of in-progress games aired on their network. Yesterday, they sent conflicting messages to myself and other NFL fans. CBS elected to show the San Diego-Miami game to most of the country at 1:00 pm for the first game of their doubleheader. The only areas not assigned to that game were the states of New York (except cities Buffalo and Rochester) Connecticut, Vermont, Missouri, and Ohio and the cities of Scranton PA, Jacksonville, Orlando, Dallas, Cleveland, Houston, and Minneapolis.
The states of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania received the NY Jets-Kansas City game.
The states of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, Savannah GA, and Baltimore were assigned the Jacksonville-Cincinnati game.
San Diego-Miami was a blowout in favor of Miami by 20 to 0 at halftime and 37 to 0 at the end of the third quarter. At that time, NY Jets-Kansas City was into the fourth quarter with 13:31 remaining and KC leading 24-10. At the same time, Cincinnati was leading Jacksonville 19-10 with 3:49 left in the third quarter. CBS elected to switch many stations, including WUSA-TV in D.C., away away SD-MIA. Good move, right? Well, sort of good and bad. The game we joined was the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs even though the Jacksonville Jaguars-Cincinnati Bengals ballgame was closer. Once the Jets-Chiefs contest ended with KC winning 24-10, viewers who watched that game from the beginning and the neutral markets from the SD-MIA game were sent to the studio instead of to the JAX-CIN game. The Jaguars had just scored a touchdown to cut the Bengals lead to 26-23 with 8:13 left in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati did score a touchdown, an 80-yard run, right after Jacksonville's TD.
However, we should have seen both scores and that game until it finished. CBS' next set of games was set for 4:25 pm, well, next game. Their two games were Denver-New England and Oakland-Seattle. They heavily promoted Denver-New England which was a matchup of two future hall-of-fame quarterbacks, the Broncos' Peyton Manning and the Patriots' Tom Brady. Understandably, it got top billing but almost to an annoyance. It was like a "this has the potential for a good game, don't sell us short" feeling.
Well, it was oversold and underperformed pregame expectations. New England jumped ahead to a 27 to 7 lead at halftime. At the same time, the winless Oakland Raiders were playing the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. As expected, the as Seahawks were dominating at home with a 24-3 lead at the half. Denver doubled their first half scoring total (7) in the third quarter alone (14). The Broncos had 21 points but couldn't stop the Patriots from scoring. New England scored 10 more points in that quarter to lead 37-21 after three quarters. Okay, closer but not real competitive. In Seattle, the Seahawks were struggling with the winless Raiders. Oakland outscored Seattle by a count of 14 to 0 in the third quarter. It was suddenly 24-17, in favor of
Seattle.
So, one game was 37-21 and the other was 24-17. Which game do you think CBS goes to in areas outside New England and the Rocky Mountains? Remember, CBS switched the D.C. market to another game (NYJ-KC) during the middle of SD-MIA. How about the 24-17 game? Buzzzzzz, WRONG! It got worse, New England scored a touchdown to increase their lead to 43-21 with 13:36 remaining in the game. Still no switch. Seattle kicked a couple of field goals to lead 30-17. However, Oakland got another touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 30-24. Still no switch. Seattle eventually held on to beat Oakland, 30-24. In fact, viewers of the Oakland-Seattle game were switched over to the Denver-New England blowout when their contest finished first.get it, it's Manning versus Brady, two of the best QBs ever, but there was a much better game going on at the same time.
This was contradictory and hypocritical to what happened earlier in the afternoon with the San Diego-Miami and NY Jets-Kansas City. The conspiracy theorist in me says CBS made the switch in the first game for stations like WUSA-TV in D.C. because they knew the Jets would lose their game in KC and do it before the Broncos-Patriots game kicked off at 4:25. The move was about getting as many viewers to the game they most advertised. The best NFL game televised last Sunday by CBS was winless Oakland at Seattle. Before Sunday, I would have said there's a better chance of me winning the lottery. Maybe I should go play "MegaMillions". Anyway, it seems the NFL and its TV partners care less and less about presenting quality but quantity in terms of money.
I should be happy I am not a diehard fan of the crime investigation show, "CSI". Two straight weeks now, CBS has preempted new episodes of "CSI" due to really long NFL games and their obsession with airing "60 Minutes" on-time but not delaying their lineup until all shows are shown in their entirety.
The states of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania received the NY Jets-Kansas City game.
The states of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, Savannah GA, and Baltimore were assigned the Jacksonville-Cincinnati game.
San Diego-Miami was a blowout in favor of Miami by 20 to 0 at halftime and 37 to 0 at the end of the third quarter. At that time, NY Jets-Kansas City was into the fourth quarter with 13:31 remaining and KC leading 24-10. At the same time, Cincinnati was leading Jacksonville 19-10 with 3:49 left in the third quarter. CBS elected to switch many stations, including WUSA-TV in D.C., away away SD-MIA. Good move, right? Well, sort of good and bad. The game we joined was the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs even though the Jacksonville Jaguars-Cincinnati Bengals ballgame was closer. Once the Jets-Chiefs contest ended with KC winning 24-10, viewers who watched that game from the beginning and the neutral markets from the SD-MIA game were sent to the studio instead of to the JAX-CIN game. The Jaguars had just scored a touchdown to cut the Bengals lead to 26-23 with 8:13 left in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati did score a touchdown, an 80-yard run, right after Jacksonville's TD.
However, we should have seen both scores and that game until it finished. CBS' next set of games was set for 4:25 pm, well, next game. Their two games were Denver-New England and Oakland-Seattle. They heavily promoted Denver-New England which was a matchup of two future hall-of-fame quarterbacks, the Broncos' Peyton Manning and the Patriots' Tom Brady. Understandably, it got top billing but almost to an annoyance. It was like a "this has the potential for a good game, don't sell us short" feeling.
Well, it was oversold and underperformed pregame expectations. New England jumped ahead to a 27 to 7 lead at halftime. At the same time, the winless Oakland Raiders were playing the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. As expected, the as Seahawks were dominating at home with a 24-3 lead at the half. Denver doubled their first half scoring total (7) in the third quarter alone (14). The Broncos had 21 points but couldn't stop the Patriots from scoring. New England scored 10 more points in that quarter to lead 37-21 after three quarters. Okay, closer but not real competitive. In Seattle, the Seahawks were struggling with the winless Raiders. Oakland outscored Seattle by a count of 14 to 0 in the third quarter. It was suddenly 24-17, in favor of
Seattle.
So, one game was 37-21 and the other was 24-17. Which game do you think CBS goes to in areas outside New England and the Rocky Mountains? Remember, CBS switched the D.C. market to another game (NYJ-KC) during the middle of SD-MIA. How about the 24-17 game? Buzzzzzz, WRONG! It got worse, New England scored a touchdown to increase their lead to 43-21 with 13:36 remaining in the game. Still no switch. Seattle kicked a couple of field goals to lead 30-17. However, Oakland got another touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 30-24. Still no switch. Seattle eventually held on to beat Oakland, 30-24. In fact, viewers of the Oakland-Seattle game were switched over to the Denver-New England blowout when their contest finished first.get it, it's Manning versus Brady, two of the best QBs ever, but there was a much better game going on at the same time.
This was contradictory and hypocritical to what happened earlier in the afternoon with the San Diego-Miami and NY Jets-Kansas City. The conspiracy theorist in me says CBS made the switch in the first game for stations like WUSA-TV in D.C. because they knew the Jets would lose their game in KC and do it before the Broncos-Patriots game kicked off at 4:25. The move was about getting as many viewers to the game they most advertised. The best NFL game televised last Sunday by CBS was winless Oakland at Seattle. Before Sunday, I would have said there's a better chance of me winning the lottery. Maybe I should go play "MegaMillions". Anyway, it seems the NFL and its TV partners care less and less about presenting quality but quantity in terms of money.
I should be happy I am not a diehard fan of the crime investigation show, "CSI". Two straight weeks now, CBS has preempted new episodes of "CSI" due to really long NFL games and their obsession with airing "60 Minutes" on-time but not delaying their lineup until all shows are shown in their entirety.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Lebron and the city of Cleveland began reuniting after nasty divorce
On Thursday Night, Lebron James proved you can home again. The perennial NBA all-star and MVP forward returned to his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a four-year split, Lebron and the Cavaliers have reconciled the differences. Yes, that was a marriage joke. Yes, this marriage between superstar player and local team, owner, and fanbase fell apart resulting in a divorce. No, they did not go to "Divorce Court". They did what anyone in a public relationship would do...break up in bitter fashion through the media!
James announced he was leaving Cleveland in a made-for-TV special called "The Decision". Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, wrote "The Letter" in response to "The Decision". Gilbert said James "deserted" the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans. In Gilbert's words, James' choice "was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up" and said Cavaliers fans "don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal". Finally, Gilbert made a fiery proclamation, "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE". He added "you can take it to the bank" as more bravado.
As far as James, "The Decision" to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat was a well-reasoned one from a basketball point of view. James would join fellow free agent Chris Bosh in teaming with at the time free agent but Heat property Dwyane Wade. The trio of individuals in Cleveland, Toronto, and Miami, would be almost unstoppable as one team. However, their egos got out of control. James embarrassed the city of Cleveland by not only leaving the hometown Cavs but also doing it on national television on ESPN. During the introduction news conference/celebration, Lebron claimed they would win "NOT ONE, NOT TWO, NOT THREE, NOT FOUR, NOT FIVE,..."championships as members of the Miami Heat. In their four years together from November 2010-June 2014, the Heat won two NBA titles (2012, 2013) and played in the NBA finals in the other years (2011, 2014).
For the record, Gilbert exclaimed the Cavs would win a title before Lebron. Final verdict, wrong. James and the Heat won the NBA title in 2012, James' 2nd year in Miami. Cleveland missed the playoffs in each of the first two post-Lebron years. Furthermore, the Cavaliers didn't qualify in either of the next two years. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat did get two championships in a row in 2012 and 2013. However, Lebron and friends didn't get three or four or five as they predicted. During last season's NBA Finals, the Heat were overmatched by the more motivated and team-oriented San Antonio Spurs. Chris Bosh was nowhere to be found for Miami. Well, he was on the court but not as effective. Age and injuries slowed Dwyane Wade down to an effective but not game-breaking superstar like in previous years. Also, finances came into play. Could the Heat keep everybody together? Would they even try to pay or rebuild? James, Bosh, and Wade all opted out of their contracts in expectation of resigning at a lower cost. Bosh and Wade resigned but James changed his mind and returned to Cleveland.
Well, wait a minute, I thought Dan Gilbert hated Lebron and Lebron didn't want to go back to his hometown. For goodness sakes, one Cavs fan burned a Lebron jersey on live TV after "The Decision". Well, let's kiss and make up shall we. The infamous letter written by Gilbert was taken down, curiously a few days before James opened negotiations with Cleveland. Early in July, James and Gilbert officially reconciled their differences as they agreed to a new contract.
Back to Thursday, everything was too perfect. The Cavaliers were at home for their game in the Lebron James 2.0 era against the New York Knicks. The night before on Wednesday, the Knicks lost by 24 points in New York to the Chicago Bulls. The stage was set, literally. There was an outdoor concert. Inside, many celebrities flew in to watch Lebron's return to Cleveland including Usher, Justin Bieber, Kevin Hart, Charles Barkley, and Michael Strahan were all courtside. Barkley, while a NBA studio analyst for TNT, was assigned by the network to call the actual game with Marv Albert and Reggie Miller.
The Cavaliers struggled offensively for most of the game. They only scored 90 points and lost 94-90. According to ESPN, which did an special on-site "SportsCenter" show from Cleveland, James had scored less than 20 points, made less than 5 assists, and committed 8 or more turnovers in a game for the first time in his NBA career. The crowd was so high at the beginning and so low at the end. They seemed to be shell-shocked and stunned with disappointment.
What was more disappointing was they booed Justin Bieber when he was shown on the big video screen. We're a Bieber fan. We think he's a good guy, great singer whose ability isn't showcased as well as it could, and a kid who is trying to be a better person in recent months. Yes, he's done some stupid things but haven't we all? We're trying to figure out why people hate him so much and choose to boo him.
For Cleveland fans, they're a weird bunch. They cheered Lebron James' every move until he left the Cavaliers. In his first game in Cleveland as a member of the Heat, James was booed mercifully! You would have though he was public enemy number one! Then, they turn around and cheer James again when he resigns with the Cavaliers! Gimme a break! Cleveland fans are schizophrenics! Okay, that's harsh even from me. Schizophrenia is a considering it's a serious health condition. Let's go with the "a lot of Cleveland Cavaliers fans are hypocritical morons" category for $500, Alex Trebek.
For Dan Gilbert, we hope he actually has apologized to Lebron personally and to the world publicly for that disgusting diatribe back in 2010. Gilbert has tons of money and pride, too much of both at times. Hopefully, Gilbert will be smart about how he spends his money with regard to free agents. The NFL's Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys spend millions of dollars on old players who don't fit their system. Gilbert does not want to become the NBA's Daniel Snyder or Jerry Jones. Also, we hope Gilbert acts more like an adult rather than a whiny child.
For Lebron James, we hope he realizes his mistakes in making "The Decision". While the decision to leave his hometown team in Cleveland was somewhat controversial, the process and eventual execution was too controversial in a selfish sort of way. James had great on-court success with the Miami Heat but off-the-court media and fan backlash followed him everywhere. Hopefully, he matures as a basketball player and as an individual thinking more about "we" than "me"
James announced he was leaving Cleveland in a made-for-TV special called "The Decision". Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, wrote "The Letter" in response to "The Decision". Gilbert said James "deserted" the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans. In Gilbert's words, James' choice "was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up" and said Cavaliers fans "don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal". Finally, Gilbert made a fiery proclamation, "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE". He added "you can take it to the bank" as more bravado.
As far as James, "The Decision" to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat was a well-reasoned one from a basketball point of view. James would join fellow free agent Chris Bosh in teaming with at the time free agent but Heat property Dwyane Wade. The trio of individuals in Cleveland, Toronto, and Miami, would be almost unstoppable as one team. However, their egos got out of control. James embarrassed the city of Cleveland by not only leaving the hometown Cavs but also doing it on national television on ESPN. During the introduction news conference/celebration, Lebron claimed they would win "NOT ONE, NOT TWO, NOT THREE, NOT FOUR, NOT FIVE,..."championships as members of the Miami Heat. In their four years together from November 2010-June 2014, the Heat won two NBA titles (2012, 2013) and played in the NBA finals in the other years (2011, 2014).
For the record, Gilbert exclaimed the Cavs would win a title before Lebron. Final verdict, wrong. James and the Heat won the NBA title in 2012, James' 2nd year in Miami. Cleveland missed the playoffs in each of the first two post-Lebron years. Furthermore, the Cavaliers didn't qualify in either of the next two years. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat did get two championships in a row in 2012 and 2013. However, Lebron and friends didn't get three or four or five as they predicted. During last season's NBA Finals, the Heat were overmatched by the more motivated and team-oriented San Antonio Spurs. Chris Bosh was nowhere to be found for Miami. Well, he was on the court but not as effective. Age and injuries slowed Dwyane Wade down to an effective but not game-breaking superstar like in previous years. Also, finances came into play. Could the Heat keep everybody together? Would they even try to pay or rebuild? James, Bosh, and Wade all opted out of their contracts in expectation of resigning at a lower cost. Bosh and Wade resigned but James changed his mind and returned to Cleveland.
Well, wait a minute, I thought Dan Gilbert hated Lebron and Lebron didn't want to go back to his hometown. For goodness sakes, one Cavs fan burned a Lebron jersey on live TV after "The Decision". Well, let's kiss and make up shall we. The infamous letter written by Gilbert was taken down, curiously a few days before James opened negotiations with Cleveland. Early in July, James and Gilbert officially reconciled their differences as they agreed to a new contract.
Back to Thursday, everything was too perfect. The Cavaliers were at home for their game in the Lebron James 2.0 era against the New York Knicks. The night before on Wednesday, the Knicks lost by 24 points in New York to the Chicago Bulls. The stage was set, literally. There was an outdoor concert. Inside, many celebrities flew in to watch Lebron's return to Cleveland including Usher, Justin Bieber, Kevin Hart, Charles Barkley, and Michael Strahan were all courtside. Barkley, while a NBA studio analyst for TNT, was assigned by the network to call the actual game with Marv Albert and Reggie Miller.
The Cavaliers struggled offensively for most of the game. They only scored 90 points and lost 94-90. According to ESPN, which did an special on-site "SportsCenter" show from Cleveland, James had scored less than 20 points, made less than 5 assists, and committed 8 or more turnovers in a game for the first time in his NBA career. The crowd was so high at the beginning and so low at the end. They seemed to be shell-shocked and stunned with disappointment.
What was more disappointing was they booed Justin Bieber when he was shown on the big video screen. We're a Bieber fan. We think he's a good guy, great singer whose ability isn't showcased as well as it could, and a kid who is trying to be a better person in recent months. Yes, he's done some stupid things but haven't we all? We're trying to figure out why people hate him so much and choose to boo him.
For Cleveland fans, they're a weird bunch. They cheered Lebron James' every move until he left the Cavaliers. In his first game in Cleveland as a member of the Heat, James was booed mercifully! You would have though he was public enemy number one! Then, they turn around and cheer James again when he resigns with the Cavaliers! Gimme a break! Cleveland fans are schizophrenics! Okay, that's harsh even from me. Schizophrenia is a considering it's a serious health condition. Let's go with the "a lot of Cleveland Cavaliers fans are hypocritical morons" category for $500, Alex Trebek.
For Dan Gilbert, we hope he actually has apologized to Lebron personally and to the world publicly for that disgusting diatribe back in 2010. Gilbert has tons of money and pride, too much of both at times. Hopefully, Gilbert will be smart about how he spends his money with regard to free agents. The NFL's Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys spend millions of dollars on old players who don't fit their system. Gilbert does not want to become the NBA's Daniel Snyder or Jerry Jones. Also, we hope Gilbert acts more like an adult rather than a whiny child.
For Lebron James, we hope he realizes his mistakes in making "The Decision". While the decision to leave his hometown team in Cleveland was somewhat controversial, the process and eventual execution was too controversial in a selfish sort of way. James had great on-court success with the Miami Heat but off-the-court media and fan backlash followed him everywhere. Hopefully, he matures as a basketball player and as an individual thinking more about "we" than "me"
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