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Notice: We have another issue that we're very passionate about in today's What's Your Take article. We even have a follow up. Please take time to read it and let us know what you think.
Sports Quote of the Day:
"How do you go from where you are to where you wanna be? And I think you have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have dream, a goal. And you have to be willing to work for it." ~ Jim Valvano, NCAA Basketball Coach and Broadcaster
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!! Bears-Jets Preview.
By MATT BECKER (STATS Editor)
VS. Trailing by 17 in the second quarter last week, Jay Cutler rallied the Chicago Bears to an improbable road victory.
The New York Jets built a surprising 18-point lead in the second quarter on the road in their last game, only to fall apart in stunning fashion.
Trying to follow up on the thrilling win, Cutler looks to continue his sensational play Monday night when his banged-up Bears visit a Jets team trying to regroup from a collapse.
Chicago got off to a demoralizing start with 23-20 overtime loss to Buffalo at Soldier Field in Week 1, a performance that left little reason to believe it could bounce back last Sunday at San Francisco.
The Bears looked to be on their way to an 0-2 start trailing 17-0, but a Cutler touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall just before halftime gave the team some life.
Cutler threw three more TDs in the fourth quarter - two to Marshall - and Chicago went on to win 28-20.
"We just kind of had to weather the storm," said Cutler, who didn't turn the ball over after two costly interceptions against the Bills. "We have to take a look at this film, break it down, and then we have to move on. There's a lot of football left, so we just have to kind of keep building on this and get better and better each week.''
The Jets were cruising toward a 2-0 start with a 21-3 lead at Green Bay midway through the second quarter last Sunday, but gained 132 yards the rest of the way and lost 31-24.
Making the defeat even more painful, a 37-yard touchdown pass that would have pulled the Jets within one with about 5 minutes to go was negated because offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was signaling timeout just before the snap.
''As a team, you go and you learn from this,'' coach Rex Ryan said. ''I've seen some teams that, when you have a game like this, it can turn your season on a positive note. That's certainly the way I hope we respond to this game.''
Ryan's secondary needs to show improvement after Aaron Rodgers passed for 346 yards and three touchdowns. The Jets were hoping the return of top cornerback Dee Milliner from a high ankle sprain would tighten things up, but he struggled against the Packers and sat out Wednesday's practice, leaving him questionable for Monday.
The secondary will have their hands full trying to slow down Cutler, who has a 61.6 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions in leading the Bears to a 6-1 record on Mondays.
Geno Smith excelled in his only Monday game, passing for 199 yards and three TDs to compile a career-best 147.7 passer rating in a 30-28 victory in Atlanta on Oct. 7.
Smith was without one of his favorite targets Sunday after wide receiver Eric Decker left early in the fourth quarter with a sore hamstring. Ryan is uncertain if Decker, who has team highs of nine catches and 137 receiving yards, will play.
The Bears are plenty familiar with injuries to wide receivers, as Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) were questionable up until a couple hours before kickoff and played through pain.
Chicago was already playing without center Roberto Garza and left guard Matt Slauson, and the defense lost three starters to injury in cornerback Charles Tillman, tackle Jeremiah Ratliff and safety Chris Conte. Ratliff and Conte, who made a spectacular interception, could both return but Tillman will miss the remainder of the season.
Rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller and end Willie Young stepped up, with Fuller recording two fourth-quarter interceptions and Young tallying two fourth-quarter sacks.
''As I told the team, as you go on this marathon of a football season, you're going to have opportunities to gain some backbone, and I think this really helped us and will help us,'' coach Marc Trestman said.
However, Trestman was unhappy the run game took a step backward with Matt Forte rushing for 21 yards on 12 attempts after running for 87 yards on 17 carries in Week 1. Moving the ball on the ground won't be easy against the Jets, who are allowing a league-low 52.5 yards and 2.8 per attempt.
New York is just as strong when running the ball itself, ranking first in the NFL with 179.0 yards per game. Chris Ivory has rushed for 145 yards and two scores and is averaging 6.3 per attempt.
The Jets will likely lean heavily on Ivory and Chris Johnson against a Chicago team that is giving up an average of 5.4 yards per carry.
The Bears won 38-34 in the last meeting in 2010, their third straight victory over the Jets. They are 7-3 in the all-time series.
4 Downs: Concerned about the run game.
By ESPN.com staff
Kyle Long said he was "embarrassed" by the Chicago Bears' running game in Week 2. Marc Trestman called it "very poor."
Facing a 17-point deficit against the San Francisco 49ers, the Bears had to look to pass more, but when they did run it wasn't pretty with Matt Forte rushing for just 21 yards on 12 carries. A week earlier, Forte was effective with 82 yards in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, but he got just 17 carries.
It doesn't get any easier in Week 3 against the New York Jets, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards (105) in the NFL this season. Is there reason to be concerned about the Bears' running game or is it all part of the game plan from week to week? Our panel weighs in on that and more:
1. Fact or Fiction: The Bears running game is a concern after two weeks.
4 Downs: Concerned about the run game.
By ESPN.com staff
Kyle Long said he was "embarrassed" by the Chicago Bears' running game in Week 2. Marc Trestman called it "very poor."
Facing a 17-point deficit against the San Francisco 49ers, the Bears had to look to pass more, but when they did run it wasn't pretty with Matt Forte rushing for just 21 yards on 12 carries. A week earlier, Forte was effective with 82 yards in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, but he got just 17 carries.
It doesn't get any easier in Week 3 against the New York Jets, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards (105) in the NFL this season. Is there reason to be concerned about the Bears' running game or is it all part of the game plan from week to week? Our panel weighs in on that and more:
1. Fact or Fiction: The Bears running game is a concern after two weeks.
Jeff Dickerson: Fact. Forte is an elite tailback. There is no issue with him. But Long labeled the Bears' effort in the run game "embarrassing" against San Francisco. That sounds a tad extreme. However, Forte only gained 21 yards on 12 carries on Sunday night. The best run came when Jay Cutler scrambled for 25 yards, so I think it's OK to call it concerning. But there's no reason to panic. Keep in mind, the Bears aren't exactly a power running team. They rely more on running outside the tackles with Forte. The ground game isn't the bread and butter of the offense. The Bears are a pass-first team. That's just the way it is. Also, fullback Tony Fiammetta hasn't been available yet this season due to injury and a release before re-signing. Maybe Fiammetta helps when he's on the field against the Jets roughly 15-20 percent of the time.
Jon Greenberg: Fiction. It's just the way it is. I don't think Trestman is ever going to call a completely balanced game, run-pass wise. It'll always be slanted toward the pass with Cutler. After the opening loss against Buffalo, I asked Forte if he wanted more touches, and he admitted 17 carries was a little low, but that he'll get his touches on short passes ("extended handoffs"). He caught eight passes against the Bills. Those numbers dropped to 12 and 5 against the Niners. I'd like to see the Bears get more creative on runs -- San Francisco showed a few cool wrinkles Sunday night -- and more importantly, give him a few drives where he can really carry the load. Too often he was running on first down, getting stuffed because it was so obvious, and then the Bears went to the pass. But there were drives where they really tried to get him the ball. In the 13-play, 80-yard drive that spanned the third and fourth quarters, he touched the ball six times, four passes and two runs. But he only gained 18 yards, 11 coming on one pass. Long said he was frustrated in their run-blocking, so maybe Trestman was wise to spread the wealth.
2. Fact or Fiction: Charles Tillman is the best defensive back in Bears' history.
Jeff Dickerson: Fact. It's a close race between Tillman (two Pro Bowls) and legendary safety Gary Fencik (two Pro Bowls). Fencik holds the franchise record with 50 takeaways (38 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries) and won a championship in 1985. Tillman is the Bears' all-time leader in defensive touchdowns (nine), interception return yards (675), interception return touchdowns (eight), and ranks third with 36 career picks. However, Tillman revolutionized the game with his uncanny ability to force fumbles from the cornerback position. The "Peanut Punch" has been responsible for 42 forced fumbles since 2003, the second-highest total in the league over that span. Tillman changed the way coaches teach the game to younger players. Tillman gets the nod, in my opinion. But Fencik is underrated in terms of what he provided the Bears' defense in the mid-70s to late 80's.
Jon Greenberg: Fact. It's so tough to judge between eras, but given Tillman's singular effect on the defense -- his ability to create takeaways -- and his team records in interception return yards, defensive touchdowns and interceptions returned for touchdowns, let's agree to call him that. Add to that, his 36 interceptions and 42 forced fumbles, he's got a great case. Tillman's had a fantastic career, if it's over.
3. Fact or Fiction: There won't be much of a drop-off on the defense with rookie Kyle Fuller replacing Tillman.
Jeff Dickerson: Fiction. Fuller looks ready to assume a full-time starting role. He belongs. But rookies always experience a certain degree of growing pains when pressed into action straight out of college. That especially holds true at the cornerback position where players are taught to have short memories. The Bears play in a division with Calvin Johnson and Aaron Rodgers. I don't care how ready a player is, the Packers and Lions can throw the football. Fuller will be tested. I believe he will hold up OK, but let's hold off on the Tillman comparisons. Fuller will be making his first career NFL start on Monday night. Tillman made 158, including the postseason. Maybe Fuller eventually becomes the next Tillman. But it doesn't happen overnight. Give the rookie time.
Jon Greenberg: Fiction. That's tough to say after two games. Check out the Bears' schedule, Fuller will have some difficult receivers to cover if the Bears throw him to the wolves and Megatrons of the league. The Bears are lavishing praise on him, and his two-pick game against the Niners augur good things to come. Fuller looks like an All-Pro, and he's got young legs, but while Tillman was getting older, experience is often a cornerback's greatest weapon. Tillman had seen it all and his instincts let him gamble for those punch-outs. The Bears would be better off with three strong cornerbacks.
4. Fact or Fiction: Special teams will cost the Bears at least one win this season.
Jeff Dickerson: Fact. This has been a problem since the summer. The Bears just don't seem talented, organized, or intelligent enough on special teams. They were lucky to avoid a complete meltdown after the 49ers' blocked punt led to an early touchdown. Next time, they may not be so fortunate. In the past, the Bears used to make their special teamers into positional backups. Now, the Bears try to make their positional backups into special teamers. The philosophical shift is partly to blame for the decline. Losing players such as Devin Hester, Craig Steltz, Eric Weems, Blake Costanzo, Zack Bowman, Anthony Walters and Jordan Senn hurts. I think it's fair to say coordinator Joe DeCamillis needs to do the best coaching job of his career to turn it around. DeCamillis has 26 years of experience coaching special teams in the NFL. This is probably one of his toughest assignments to date.
Jon Greenberg: Fact. This group is awful. Disorganized and sloppy. Whither Dave Toub? Oh yeah, he's in Kansas City. It's not just coaching, it's the caliber of players in the group, and that's on GM Phil Emery and the coaches. The Bears cut Shaun Draughn after he committed two penalties on special teams and missed a block that led to a blocked punt. So it's not like the Bears aren't aware of the problem. So yeah, unless they can find some players on special teams, I think they could lose a game because of it.
Devin Hester passes Deion Sanders for all-time TD return mark.
By Mike Florio
Devin Hester #17, (Photo/Getty Images)
During his first season with the Falcons, Devin Hester has shown that he can do a thing or two on offense. But he also still has the skills that could eventually put him in Canton.
With a 62-yard punt return that hit paydirt, Hester broke a tie with Deion Sanders at 19 career touchdown returns. Hester now has the record all to himself with 20. He paid tribute to Sanders with an extended high step into the end zone, drawing a flag for taunting in the process.
Hester also has added a 20-yard touchdown run as part of Atlanta’s 35-0 first-half lead.
And while it’s easier to criticize the Bears both for letting Hester go and for never finding a way to unleash his broken-field skills on offense, keep in mind that every team has a crack at Hester on the open market. The Falcons made the move to get him, and he could end up being a major difference maker as Atlanta tries to get back to the postseason.
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Last year's loss to Kings 'fuels the fire' for Blackhawks.
By Tracey Meyers
The United Center was hushed late on the evening of June 1, the Los Angeles Kings’ fifth goal sending the Blackhawks home in the Western Conference Finals.
The Blackhawks don’t think about that final goal that much, the one that kept them from a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. They do, however, think about how close they came.
And on the eve of training camp’s start, they’ve got all the motivation they need heading into the 2014-15 season.
Physically the Blackhawks are ready to roll, as coach Joel Quenneville pronounced the squad healthy. Mentally the Blackhawks are focused, the three-month break giving them ample time to rest and refresh. Now they’re ready to hit the ice and to pick up where they left off last postseason.
“It definitely fuels the fire, makes you hungry to get back and hopefully get back to that same position again,” Patrick Sharp said on Thursday. “As professionals and with the type of group we have – veteran leadership or the young guys coming in these days, whether we win the Cup or fall just short – guys are motivated, guys are hungry to play their best and get to that point again. It makes us hungry to get back there but at the same time, that’s the way we always play.”
Indeed, the Blackhawks have cobbled together plenty of success these past few seasons, the product of young developed players surrounding a core that’s been through the rebuild and renaissance. Whether players have been here a year or 10, everyone embraces the mantra: you’re here to win and win a lot. The Blackhawks’ confidence is brimming again entering 2014-15.
“You look around the league and there (are) so many good teams, especially in our conference and in our division. But you look around the room and you look at your teammates, and it’s definitely an exciting feeling knowing the opportunity that is there,” Duncan Keith said. “You’ve been in situations before, like at the start of my career when there wasn’t much talk of Stanley Cups, it was more of just try to get to the playoffs and go from there. But we have high expectations, and I think everybody on the team enjoys that challenge and having that type of expectation.”
How it all pans out remains to be seen. Health has to be on your side. Other teams will always be trying to get better, be trying to equal your success. But the Blackhawks are entering another camp with another Cup in mind. They’re confident they can do it, knowing they were oh-so close to doing it again last season.
“It's just motivation knowing the potential and knowing how close we came and understanding that we're going to be even better, having learned from that experience and using that as a source of energy to improve upon,” Jonathan Toews said. “We know it can be a special year if we put everything together and we find a way to improve every single day. We can't fast forward to that seventh game in the conference final right now but obviously that's on our minds and will be as we go through this season one day at a time.”
Hawks storyline: More Kane, Toews
By Scott Powers
The Chicago Blackhawks aren't going to pay Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews a combined $168 million in their next contracts for what they have already accomplished.
Their individual successes -- the two Stanley Cups and being the faces of the organization -- certainly added to their price tag. But ultimately what the Blackhawks are paying Kane and Toews to do in the future is to keep it up.
The Blackhawks are banking on their superstars being superstars for many years to come.
"Jonathan and Patrick have become cornerstones of this franchise during their time in Chicago," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said after signing Kane and Toews to extensions in July. "We are excited to ensure they will continue to lead our organization for years to come."
Kane and Toews have certainly set the bar high for themselves after their first seven NHL seasons:
• Toews and Kane have produced in the regular season. Toews has 195 goals, 245 assists, 440 points and is a plus-141 in seven seasons. Kane has 178 goals, 315 assists, 493 points and is a plus-41.
• They have been clutch in the playoffs, too. Toews has 29 goals, 52 assists, 81 points and is a plus-10 in 94 playoff games. Kane has 37 goals, 54 assists, 91 points and is a plus-1 in 93 playoff games. They have combined for 17 game-winning playoff goals. Toews won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010, and Kane was awarded it in 2013.
• Toews is considered one of the best two-way forwards in the game. He won the Selke Trophy in 2013 and has been a finalist multiple times. He's ranked in the top 20 in on-ice Corsi in six of his seven seasons. • Only Henrik Sedin, Martin St. Louis, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have registered more points than Kane in 5-on-5 situations over the past seven seasons. Kane has recorded 291 points during that span.
• Kane and Toews have been durable for much of their careers. Out of 540 regular season games in the past seven seasons, Kane has played in 515 games and Toews has played in 484.
• The Blackhawks had been to the playoffs once in the nine years prior to their rookie season. Since their arrival, the Blackhawks have been to the playoffs six times, reached the Western Conference finals four times and won two Stanley Cups. The Blackhawks have gone 309-163-68 over the past seven seasons.
Hawks storyline: Saad's progress
By Scott Powers
It's not as if the Chicago Blackhawks didn't have an idea what they had in forward Brandon Saad prior to the Western Conference finals last season.
But what Saad did during that series against the Los Angeles Kings was something beyond what he had shown the Blackhawks during his first 1 1/2 seasons. Against the Kings, especially late in the series, he was simply dominant.
Saad had his stat-filled games before and often played a complementary role to the Blackhawks' other top players. He did more than that in the Western Conference finals. He protected the puck. He made the right passes. He was smart about his movement in the offensive zone. He played off his teammates. And in the end, he either set up goals or scored them himself. He scored three goals and dished out four assists in the series' final four games. His seven points were the most he had ever recorded in a four-game span in the NHL.
The question now is whether Saad can consistently be that player over a full season. If not, the Blackhawks will gladly welcome his contributions wherever he can provide them. But if he can resemble that dominant player over time, the Blackhawks have themselves another game-changing forward.
"Young kid, consistency, putting it all together, that's what we're looking for," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said of Saad in the Western Conference finals. "But he has that ability to play a high-level game, almost like an impact player. Throughout the league, not too many guys that can make an impact on a game like he did [in Game 5]. He has that ability, which was great last night, that consistency we look for. He had one of those games you always remember."
Inconsistencies aren't uncommon for young players like Saad, who won't turn 22 until Oct. 27. The Blackhawks were careful with him as a rookie and put him alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa to ease his transition. He was given more responsibility last season and endured some ups and downs. Quenneville was so frustrated with Saad's play late in the season that he made him a healthy scratch for a game. Saad bounced back in the playoffs.
A third year in the league could help Saad find his groove, but sharing a line with Patrick Kane likely will also be beneficial. Saad and Kane have clicked whenever they have been on the same line. Kane record 16 points while on the ice with Saad in 5-on-5 situations in the regular season, and Saad had 12 points on a second line with Kane and Andrew Shaw for much of the Kings series last season. Quenneville is likely to combine Saad, Kane and Brad Richards on the second line to start the season.
Hossa was optimistic after last season Saad would take his game to another level.
"I think that guy has so much potential," Hossa said. "He's proving that. This season he was unreal. This series he was one of our best players. This guy, you know, watch out for him. I think he's got a real bright future. He's an unreal hockey player."
Hawks storyline: Cap management
By Scott Powers
How Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman manages the salary cap and whether he can keep the Blackhawks a Stanley Cup contender will be an ongoing storyline for nearly the next decade.
Bowman succeeded in re-signing Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to long-term extensions this offseason. While Kane and Toews are essential to the Blackhawks' future, their annual cap hit of $22 million makes Bowman's job more difficult down the line.
The new contracts for Kane and Toews don't go into effect until next season, but Bowman has to already be planning his moves. His first objective is to get the Blackhawks under the cap for the upcoming season, and that could include reducing cap space for future seasons as well.
Next season will be the first massive challenge for Bowman. The Blackhawks have 15 players signed for the 2015-16 season, and their cap hits equal almost $66 million, according to capgeek.com. Even if the cap increases, Bowman still has to include 5-8 more players for likely less than $10 million.
A major part of next season's hurdle will be re-signing Brandon Saad, who is set to become a restricted free agent after the season and could easily demand $3 million-$5 million a year in his next contract.
Marcus Kruger and Nick Leddy, two players the Blackhawks have developed in their system, are also headed toward becoming restricted free agents after this season. Johnny Oduya is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Defense is where Bowman may begin saving money. He has only three defensemen signed for the 2015-16 season and could begin handing those spots over to the organization's prospects such as Adam Clendening, Klas Dahlbeck and Stephen Johns, who are in line for that jump.
Beyond that, Bowman will have to make decisions on defenseman Brent Seabrook, who will be a free agent after the 2015-16 season, and Bryan Bickell and Patrick Sharp, who will be free agents after the 2016-17 season. Seabrook and Sharp have been part of the Blackhawks' core for some time.
The Blackhawks have Duncan Keith, Kane and Toews signed through the 2022-23 season, Marian Hossa through the 2020-21 season, Corey Crawford through the 2019-20 season and Niklas Hjalmarsson through the 2018-19 season. The six players' cap hits total almost $42 million beginning in the 2015-16 season.
Hawks storyline: Aging Players
By Scott Powers
Age appeared to catch up with Michal Handzus and Michal Rozsival last season.
Both had played roles in the Chicago Blackhawks' run to the Stanley Cup during the 2013 playoffs, and neither could return to that form in the 2014 playoffs. Handzus was demoted to the fourth line, and Rozsival was a healthy scratch for two playoff games last season.
The Blackhawks have six players in their 30s heading into the 2014-15 season.
Rozsival likely will be one player the Blackhawks watch closely again this season. He turned 36 on Sept. 3 and has been part of a defenseman rotation the past two seasons. He played in 27 of 48 regular season games in 2013 and in 42 of 82 games last season.
Marian Hossa, who will turn 36 in January, is the next oldest Blackhawk. He returned from a back injury suffered in the 2013 Stanley Cup finals to play in 72 regular season games last season. He proved last season to again be one of the NHL's top two-way forwards. He has suffered a variety of injuries since turning 30, so the Blackhawks always will have to be concerned at some level about him, but last season was a good sign for the near future.
Brad Richards, 34, has been slowed down in recent years, but showed last season he still has something left in the tank. He likely won't be at a 90-point level again, but he is still capable of contributing offensively at even strength and on the power play. He had 20 goals and 51 points and proved durable, playing in a total of 107 games, including the playoffs.
Johnny Oduya, who will turn 33 in October, is again expected to be paired with Niklas Hjalmarsson and they likely again will receive the toughest defensive assignments. Patrick Sharp, who will be 33 in December, hasn't allowed his game to be hampered by age. He scored 34 goals and recorded a career-high 78 points last season. He had the most points among all of the league's players 30 or older. He also finished first in the Blackhawks' fitness testing during training camp last season.
Duncan Keith, who turned 31 in July, is also still playing at a high level. He was voted the Norris Trophy winner after continuing to lead the Blackhawks defenseman in points and ice time.
Hawks storyline: Consistent Bickell
By Scott Powers
Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell is hopeful a big summer leads to a big regular season for him.
Bickell understood going into the offseason he's expected to begin producing in the regular season as he has in the playoffs the past few seasons.
"I think this is a big summer for me to get in shape and to be more of a regular-season guy, not just a playoff guy," Bickell said after last season.
Bickell has been ordinary in the regular season, scoring a total of 20 goals in the past two seasons. As for the playoffs, he's been a star. He has 16 playoff goals the last two seasons.
Bickell has admitted he plays harder and more aggressively in the playoffs. He's also said it's difficult to duplicate that style in the regular season without being constantly banged up.
The Blackhawks would like him to at least meet them somewhere in the middle. They want more from him considering he's being paid $4 million each of the next three seasons.
"I think every team in the league would love to have that power forward that brings that element to their game, and [where] their production's in the 20-goal numbers and brings a physicality and a presence and has speed and can be disruptive in a lot of ways," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said in the playoffs. "Those players are hard to find, and I think everybody's wish list would be that guy. So, you know, we're happy to have him now, but certainly we'd love that consistency, and I think that's where we're working to get as we go along."
If Bickell can establish that consistency, the Blackhawks' third line could have some real offensive potential. Andrew Shaw or Teuvo Teravainen could center that line, and Shaw, Jeremy Morin or Kris Versteeg could end up as the right winger.
Report: No sponsor logos coming to NHL jerseys...yet.
CSN Staff
On Wednesday a report from TSN stated the NHL will steer clear of adding sponsorship logos onto jerseys, which will result in the league forgoing about $120 million annually.
Currently the only advertising on uniforms is for Reebok, the company that manufactures the league's jerseys.
No North American sports league currently allows ads on jerseys, but a number of teams do include sponsorships on their practice jerseys. And while that'll remain for now, don't expect jerseys to remain ad-free forever.
"Gary [Bettman] and the owners like the money, but they don't want to be the first out of the box with this in North America," a source told TSN. "They'll wait for the NBA or baseball to do it and then be second or third."
Just another Chicago Bulls Session… Bulls: Taj Gibson remains underrated, crucial to success.
By Aggrey Sam
Coming off a breakout offensive season in which he was arguably the Bulls’ most reliable scoring option (certainly in the post) and the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year runner-up (and probably should have won the award), it seemed as if not only Taj Gibson would return to the starting lineup on a permanent basis for the first time since his rookie season, but continue to take on a bigger role for the team.
The latter was illustrated by his involvement in the Bulls’ ultimately failed free-agency pursuit of Carmelo Anthony—keeping Gibson on the team was a selling point to the superstar—but when the organization moved on, eventually signing veteran big man Pau Gasol, it became clear that there would be a ceiling to the Brooklyn born-and-raised big man’s ascendancy, regardless of Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau’s claim that he hadn’t decided on who will start on the team’s talented frontline.
But backup role or not, the 29-year-old’s value to the squad remains the same, as he’s a better individual scorer than All-Star center Joakim Noah and superior on defense to Gasol. Ever since Thibodeau arrived in Chicago, he’s opted to close games with Gibson and even given the frontcourt logjam the Bulls currently have, it’s likely that trend continues, with Gasol, 34, being utilized similarly to the departed Carlos Boozer. Gibson should still be able to be a focal point offensively against second-unit competition, playing with a familiar face in veteran floor general Kirk Hinrich, as well as rookie sharpshooter Doug McDermott, who will be able to spread the floor and help prevent the double teams Gibson increasingly faced toward the end of last season.
Privately, Gibson isn’t too thrilled with the prospect of continuing to be a reserve, according to multiple people familiar with the situation, but the upbeat, team-first player values winning and chemistry too much to make it an issue or distraction. Furthermore, being an underdog his entire basketball career, it could serve as motivation and help him thrive, building upon last year’s bounce-back campaign and improvement as a scorer, which came after a disappointing, injury-riddled season immediately following a long-term contract extension with the Bulls on Halloween 2012.
In short, while Gibson might not like the writing on the wall, he’ll make the proper mental adjustment and the expectation here is that once again, the affable fan favorite will make his usual impact as one of the NBA’s most underrated defenders, explosive finisher with low-post polish and a reliable spark off the bench for a championship contender.
Bulls officially sign E'Twaun Moore, he's likely to stick with team.
By Kurt Helin
E’Twaun Moore is potentially a good fit for the Bulls — if he is used properly.
Orlando used him at the point, the Bulls are set there. Chicago plans to give most of their minutes at the two guard to Jimmy Butler, behind him is Tony Snell who showed real signs of improvement at Summer League. Where Moore comes in is he is a 6’4” guard who can knock down threes (35.4 percent last season). The Bulls have point guards like Derrick Rose and Aaron Brooks slashing the lane and a very good passing front line with Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah — a guy who can stay at the arc and knock down shots has value. Plus he can play the one some if needed.
So as had been expected the Bulls signed Moore to a deal — but the terms of the deal reported by Shams Charania of Real GM are such that you can bet he makes the roster.
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Shams Charania Follow
@ShamsCharania
Free agent E'Twaun Moore has signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls, league source tells RealGM. First year's 50 percent guaranteed.
Allred appeared with Kristeena Spivey, who accused the now-Bears wide receiver of abusing her friend Rasheedah Watley.
Marshall denied ever abusing Watley in 2009, but Spivey recalled an incident when Marshall rammed into her car, and threw a chunk of cement at a window to try to get Watley out.
Spivey said she called and emailed Roger Goodell, but never heard back from him. Marshall was suspended three games, but that was reduced to one.
Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Take: Domestic abuse issues have really come into light recently due to the domestic abuse case of Ray Rice and child abuse case of Adrian Peterson along with a few others. There is no place on this earth where domestic violence should ever be allowed or condoned. No one deserves it regardless of the circumstances involved. I have three daughters and I will see that justice comes to anyone that misuses them. I want it understood that domestic violence should not be tolerated under any circumstances. I cannot stress that enough!!!
Now, that brings me to an issue that I just read about and leaves me very concerned. I posted the above article because it bothers me. Brandon Marshall, a current wide receiver for the Chicago Bears has a history of domestic violence that is less than stellar in his past. He was diagnosed with borderline mental illness and has taken measures to get help with his issues and to heal himself. Since he has taken these steps, he has been the model citizen in Chicago. He has even become a spokesman with mental illness and set up a foundation for it's awareness.
Here's what upsets me, In 2009, his case was heard and a ruling was handed down and served. This issue was five years ago. Why try and destroy the man when he is taking all the steps to turn his life around? The framers of our constitution put a provision in it to prevent "double jeopardy", a step to keep a person for being tried and punished for the same crime twice. To me, Ms. Allred's handling of this case reeks of greed and is pure BS. Where has this claim been for the last five years? How much do they expects to bleed him for? This is just plain wrong!!!
I could care less that Brandon Marshall is a Chicago professional football player, what's right is right. (1) Does he not deserve a chance to turn his life around? A ruling was issued and his punishment was served. (2) If the plaintiff was not satisfied with the ruling, why wasn't it appealed through legal channels? (3) Should you be held responsible for a mistake for the rest of your life? If your answer to the third question is yes, perhaps you've lived a perfect life. Most of the people I know have some type of skeleton in the closet and as I've said it before, we're lucky that they remain there. I'm sure that there are many people out there that will not agree with the way you've lived your life and can find fault with anything.
My point is simply this: If a person commits domestic violence, the matter should be handled in a legal fashion with the defendant judged in a bench trial or by his peers during a jury trial with a sentence or acquittal determined and served. Once this is done, the badgering and harassment should end. Period, paragraph, end of the story.
Now that you know what we think and how we feel, we'd love to know, What’s Your Take? Marion P. Jelks, Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Blog Editor. Please use the comment section below and have at it. Let us know your thoughts.
*What's Your Take follow-up. Father: NFL mishandled my daughter's abuse case.
AP Sports
The father of a woman who once dated NFL receiver Brandon Marshall called for the league's commissioner to resign Wednesday because he's disappointed in the way his daughter's abuse allegations were handled.
Clarence Watley spoke at a news conference about his daughter, Rasheedah Watley, who he said was abused by Marshall. Attorney Gloria Allred called the press conference amid increasing scrutiny of how the league handles abuse allegations against its players.
Watley said he and others wrote to Goodell about his daughter's case and never heard back. Watley called the NFL's investigation one-sided. (Why wasn't the legal system used?)
''I told him that I was troubled with the fact that he, the commissioner ... had completed his investigation without no contact with the victim or her family whatsoever,'' Watley said. (Why wasn't the legal system used?)
A friend, Kristeena Spivey, spoke of seeing Rasheedah Watley's bruised face and eyes after leaving an encounter with Marshall. (Why wasn't the legal system used?)
Marshall was with the Denver Broncos at the time the allegations surfaced and now plays for the Chicago Bears. He was suspended for three games in 2008, but the suspension was reduced to one game. He denied the allegations and was never convicted. In some of the episodes, charges weren't filed. (Why wasn't the legal system used and if it was and he was not convicted and charges not filed, why is it the NFL's job to handle a legal matter?)
Commissioner Roger Goodell said after Marshall's 2008 suspension was announced that the term of the punishment could be reduced if he complied with required counseling and other conditions, NFL officials said in an email.
Chicago Bears General Manager Phil Emery said in a statement that Marshall has acknowledged his past and is now a thoughtful and proactive leader. Broncos officials said the allegations of abuse were taken very seriously and the franchise doesn't condone violence of any type toward women.
Watley's daughter wasn't at the press conference, and Allred said she would not be commenting. (Why wasn't the legal system used?)
Her father said the case should not be ignored. ''I don't think that past victims should just be forgotten,'' he said.
Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Question: When did the process in America change? When a serious accusation (civil matter) or law is broken, you use to have to go through the legal (justice) system. Facts and evidence are presented and a decision is rendered by a judge during a bench trial or by a jury trial, where a group of the accused peers weigh the evidence and determine a verdict. Now it seems that all of the plaintiffs/defendants and their attorneys or representatives want to do is try the cases in the social media. But the question I would really like for someone to answer for me is, when did it become someone's employer's responsibility to become the person to decide what the punishment should be for a legal issue? That's what the justice system is for. The employers leave themselves wide open for lawsuits. We have a legal system with plenty of case history and precedents to site when making a case. I just don't understand what's going on..... It's not the employer's job to handle these matters. It's okay to be correct, but to be politically correct is just a bunch of BS.
Again, What’s Your Take? Marion P. Jelks, Chicago Sports & Travel, Inc./AllsportsAmerica Blog Editor. Please use the comment section below and have at it. Let us know your thoughts.
Losses now would benefit 2015 White Sox.
By Dan Hayes
Don’t win now, boys.
With any shot at the postseason long ago cast aside, the White Sox are in the next best position possible with 10 games left in the regular season. At 69-83, the White Sox take the eighth-worst record in the majors into Friday’s series opener at Tampa Bay.
But to maintain their valuable spot, the White Sox would be best served to lose as often as possible over the rest of the way.
Call it draft pick protection.
Finishing with one of the bottom 10 records in the majors means the White Sox would be exempt from surrendering their first-round draft pick even if they signed a free agent who has received a qualifying offer.
Considering that the White Sox don’t see themselves as far from competing and they have financial flexibility this offseason, such status could be important. Last offseason, part of general manager Rick Hahn’s pitch to club chairman Jerry Reinsdorf was they wouldn’t have to surrender a pick or any additional assets if they signed Jose Abreu.
Hahn declined comment on Thursday.
“At one point we had a conversation, Jerry, Kenny (Williams) and I, in which I actually caught myself saying to Jerry, ‘You know it's just money,’ which I then had to catch myself and quickly expand upon,” Hahn said last November. “By that I meant we aren't giving up a draft pick. We aren't giving up players in addition to money.”
Thirteen free agents received qualifying offers -- one-year contracts worth $14.1 million -- from their previous clubs last offseason. At least a dozen could receive the $15 million offers this offseason.
Detroit designated hitter Victor Martinez, Baltimore outfielder Nelson Cruz, New York Yankees closer David Robertson and several right-handed starting pitchers -- any of whom the White Sox could use to bolster their roster -- are among those expected to receive qualifying offers.
With only about $46 million in payroll as of now, the White Sox could be substantial players in free agency this offseason if they choose to. While free agency carries inherent risks -- see: Jeff Keppinger -- clubs with protected picks only have to surrender money.
Consider that the White Sox acquired four key pieces for their core between last July and December. Whereas Abreu was signed for $68 million, the White Sox traded pitchers Addison Reed, Hector Santiago and Jake Peavy to acquire prospect Matt Davidson, center fielder Adam Eaton and right fielder Avisail Garcia.
The White Sox struggled to fill the voids left on the pitching staff by those three departures and the front office will look to plug those holes this offseason.
If they can acquire what they need without dipping into a still-developing farm system, the White Sox would be better off in the long run.
As part of the organization’s rebuild, Hahn has made it clear he wants to reload a farm system that had been diminished by under-spending in the international and amateur markets and prospects traded away to secure major league-ready talent.
Over the past 16 months, the White Sox have poured roughly $15.8 million into amateur signing bonuses and several million more to the international market. They also added several talented minor-leaguers in the trades of Peavy to Boston and Adam Dunn to Oakland. Last month, MLB.com’s Jim Callis said he believes the farm system has reached the middle of the pack only two years after Baseball America had it ranked 29th among 30 teams.
Were the White Sox to end up with the eighth-worst record, they would infuse at least another $7.5 million worth of talent into farm system through the amateur draft next June.
But if they win enough over the final 10 games to fall out of the bottom 10 -- No. 11 Cincinnati is 2 1/ 2 games ahead -- the White Sox would have to consider trading away cheap talent to fill out their roster or be willing to forfeit their first-round pick in order to sign a free agent.
The White Sox do have one key factor on their side, however: they would win tiebreakers against all but two of the teams around them based on last season’s records.
So were the White Sox to end up tied for the 10th-worst record with the Cubs, Philadelphia, San Diego, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Boston or the New York Mets -- all of whom are within 3 1/ 2 games -- they would still qualify for a protected pick. Only Houston and Miami hold tiebreakers over the White Sox.
While it might be ugly, the best thing for the White Sox now is to lose and lose often.
Golf: I got a club for that… Royal & Ancient votes to admit female members.
By DOUG FERGUSON (AP Golf Writer)
In this Aug. 4, 2007, file photo, Natalie Gulbis of the United States, lines up a putt on the 17th green during the Women's British Open golf tournament on the Old Course at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews, Scotland. The Royal & Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews has voted overwhelmingly Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, to admit female members for the first time. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews is no longer just for men.
Even so, it was hailed as an important step by golf organizations, public officials, sponsors and even a prominent golfer.
The spiritual ''Home of Golf'' became the latest club to end years of male-only exclusivity on Thursday when its members voted overwhelmingly in favor of inviting women to join. The vote was effective immediately.
''I can confirm that The Royal & Ancient Golf of St. Andrews is now a mixed membership club,'' R&A secretary Peter Dawson said in a brief statement he read just outside the clubhouse at the Old Course.
Dawson said more than three-quarters of the club's 2,500 members worldwide voted, with 85 percent in favor. It was the first time in the club's 260-year history that members were allowed to vote by proxy at the annual business meeting.
The result was far more predictable than Scotland voting for independence on the same day, especially when the Royal & Ancient approved voting by mail, and comments earlier this year by Dawson of early indications of support.
Even so, it was hailed as an important step by golf organizations, public officials, sponsors and even a prominent golfer.
''I am thrilled the R&A has voted overwhelmingly to allow female members. This is a great day for golf and a historic one for women in golf,'' Annika Sorenstam tweeted.
The members also voted to fast-track a ''significant'' number of women to join in the next few months. The R&A did not say how many women would be invited, though previous reports indicated it could be as many as 15. The club previously said the first women members would likely have made a ''significant contribution'' to golf.
''This is a very important and positive day in the history of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club,'' Dawson said. ''The R&A has served the sport of golf well for 260 years and I am confident that the club will continue to do so in future with the support of all its members, both women and men.''
Augusta National, home of the Masters, decided two years ago to invite women to join. Unlike the R&A, Augusta National did not have a written policy that banned women. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina financier Darla Moore were the first female members.
While the R&A members have access to the clubhouse behind the first tee at the Old Course, they belong to a club, not a golf course. The seven golf courses at St. Andrews are open to the public.
''This is positive news for the sport, and I hope we will now see other golf clubs that still have outdated same-sex policies follow suit,'' said Helen Grant, Britain's minister for sport. ''With golf in the next Olympics there is a huge opportunity for the sport to grow and this sends out the right inclusive message that golf is for everyone.''
The Royal & Ancient governs golf everywhere in the world except for the United States and Mexico. It is separate from ''The R&A,'' a business arm created 10 years ago to handle the Rules of Golf, organize the British Open, and operate other business affairs. But while the R&A has female employees, the committees and board are populated by club members, so there had been no women in leadership roles governing the game or running championships.
''It's a very positive message for the game of golf and the R&A in its position as the governing body for the game,'' Dawson said. ''It's quite right that members have agreed to embrace this concept and welcome women members to the club. It's a great day for the game.''
When asked if he had contacted some of the all-male clubs in the British Open rotation, Dawson declined further questions.
''This is a night for celebration,'' he said.
The R&A was coming under increasing pressure when The Open was held at all-male clubs, most recently Muirfield in 2013. Even some of its sponsors were getting uncomfortable with the centuries-old policies barring women.
Others in the rotation are Royal St. George's in England and Royal Troon in Scotland, which will host golf's oldest major in 2016. Dawson said this year that the policies of other golf clubs in the UK were not connected to the R&A vote on its membership.
Royal Troon said in a statement this week to Sky Sports News, ''At present, membership of Royal Troon Golf Club is open only to those of the male gender and we have no plans to change our constitution at this time although I must point out that we are quite different from many of the other single gender clubs in that we share our facilities with an active Ladies Golf Club.''
Giles Morgan, the global head of sponsorship and events for HSBC, said the bank welcomed the R&A news.
''Our commitment to the value of diversity and our support of women's golf .... is a cornerstone of our global golf portfolio,'' Morgan said. ''We look forward to continuing this successful partnership at St. Andrews in 2015 for what promises to be the start of a new era.''
The Women's British Open has been played at St. Andrews twice since 2007, and they were allowed in the clubhouse during the championship.
''The LPGA is happy to hear that the members of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews have voted to include female members,'' the LPGA Tour said in a statement. ''This decision is certainly a step in the right direction and one that better captures the current diversity and inclusiveness of our great game.''
Jack Nicklaus on Tiger Woods: 'Yeah, he's the best'.
By Kyle Porter, Golf Writer
I have to be honest about something real quick -- I'm reading this Tom Watson profile in Golf Digest and I don't want to finish it.
It's the best thing I've read in months, and I don't want it to be over.
Go read the thing in its entirety but know that you'll find little bits like this where Watson and Jack Nicklaus sum up Tiger Woods better than any of us can.
It's the best thing I've read in months, and I don't want it to be over.
Go read the thing in its entirety but know that you'll find little bits like this where Watson and Jack Nicklaus sum up Tiger Woods better than any of us can.
"Nicklaus and I were watching Tiger play on TV," Tom says. "I can't remember where it was. I think it was at the Senior Skins Game. So we were in Hawaii. I said, 'Bear, he's the best, isn't he?' Jack said, 'Yeah, he's the best.'"
I'm sure we'll debate it for 100 more years (or maybe someone else will come along) and that debate will be fun, of course, but we'll always have that admission from Nicklaus via Watson.
"Yeah, he's the best."
Should NASCAR suspend Tony Stewart?
"Yeah, he's the best."
Should NASCAR suspend Tony Stewart?
By Jeff Owens
Tony Stewart (Getty Images)
With the NFL under siege for having three star players facing discipline for violent crimes and for its handling of those cases, NASCAR faces its own interesting dilemma.
Should it suspend Tony Stewart now that his case in the death of sprint-car driver Kevin Ward Jr. has been sent to a grand jury?
And should it suspend Stewart if he is indicted and charged with contributing to Ward’s death?
Should it suspend Tony Stewart now that his case in the death of sprint-car driver Kevin Ward Jr. has been sent to a grand jury?
And should it suspend Stewart if he is indicted and charged with contributing to Ward’s death?
How it answers those questions and responds to Stewart’s fate will determine whether or not NASCAR winds up in the same mess that the NFL is trying to clean up.
The NFL and three of its teams have been embroiled in controversy over their reactions to the cases involving Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy.
Rice was suspended indefinitely and released by the Ravens for domestic abuse after a video showed him punching his fiancée. The NFL at first suspended Rice for just two games — which led to widespread outrage — and then reversed course and suspended him indefinitely after video of the incident went public.
Peterson has been charged with child abuse for whipping his 4-year-old son with a switch. He was deactivated for a game by the Minnesota Vikings, reinstated, and then suspended by being placed on the NFL's exempt/commissioner's permission, which bans him from all team activities until his case is resolved.
Greg Hardy of the Panthers was deactivated for last week’s game and placed on the same exempt list after being charged and found guilty of domestic abuse for beating up his girlfriend.
Those cases of violent behavior have created a firestorm of controversy for the NFL, casting the league in a terrible light and putting it under extreme public pressure to clean up its act when it comes to handling such cases and disciplining players for being involved in violent crimes.
Now Stewart faces the possibility of being indicted and charged for his role in the death of Ward, a 20-year-old driver who was killed on Aug. 9 when he was struck by Stewart’s sprint car in a race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park in upstate New York. If a grand jury concludes that Stewart’s actions contributed to Ward’s death, he could be charged with criminal negligence or second-degree manslaughter.
For the past month, the general consensus and public opinion has been that the accident was just that — a horrible accident. Ward walked out onto the track and was approaching Stewart’s car under caution when he was struck and killed. The question is whether Stewart saw him and how he reacted, and whether or not he did not enough to avoid hitting him.
Aside from Ward’s family and friends and supporters, most believed that Stewart was not at fault and should not face any criminal charges. Even the authorities investigating the case seemed to be advancing that theory and perception early on, emphasizing that it had no evidence to suggest that Stewart did anything to warrant criminal charges or blame for the fatal accident.
But now there is at least a bit of doubt.
The fact that the Ontario (N.Y.) County District Attorney has sent the case to a grand jury seems to indicate that some evidence has emerged that might indicate that Stewart may have been at fault. A grand jury will review that evidence and decide whether or not to indict Stewart.
So knowing that the case has taken a much more serious turn, should NASCAR have suspended Stewart until the grand jury reaches a conclusion?
U.S. move up one place in latest FIFA rankings; Wales the big winners.
By Joe Prince-Wright
On Thursday the latest FIFA World Rankings were released, as the U.S. national team moved up a place following their recent win against the Czech Republic.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s men jumped up to 17th, as they are the third-highest ranked CONCACAF team with Mexico in 16th spot and Costa Rica 15th. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Guatemala jumped an incredible 77 places to 57th, while Panama are 55th and Honduras are in 56th. Canada moved up two places to 120, as they recorded their first victory in nearly two years earlier this month.
One of the big movers was Wales, as the Gareth Bale inspired nation soared up 12 places to joint-29th with Scotland. That ranking is Wales’ highest position in over 20 years.
In the top 10 Colombia, Brazil and France all moved up one place each, as Los Cafeteros are up to third place, with 2014 World Cup winners Germany occupying top spot and Argentina in second.
Below is the list of the top 20 in full, while you can find the entire rankings list right here.
FIFA World Rankings – September 18
1. Germany
2. Argentina
3. Columbia
4. Netherlands
5. Belgium
6. Brazil
7. Uruguay
8. Spain
9. France
10. Switzerland
11. Portugal
12. Chile
13. Italy
14. Greece
15. Costa Rica
16. Mexico
17. United States
18. England
19. Croatia
20. Algeria
Jurgen Klinsmann’s men jumped up to 17th, as they are the third-highest ranked CONCACAF team with Mexico in 16th spot and Costa Rica 15th. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Guatemala jumped an incredible 77 places to 57th, while Panama are 55th and Honduras are in 56th. Canada moved up two places to 120, as they recorded their first victory in nearly two years earlier this month.
One of the big movers was Wales, as the Gareth Bale inspired nation soared up 12 places to joint-29th with Scotland. That ranking is Wales’ highest position in over 20 years.
In the top 10 Colombia, Brazil and France all moved up one place each, as Los Cafeteros are up to third place, with 2014 World Cup winners Germany occupying top spot and Argentina in second.
Below is the list of the top 20 in full, while you can find the entire rankings list right here.
FIFA World Rankings – September 18
1. Germany
2. Argentina
3. Columbia
4. Netherlands
5. Belgium
6. Brazil
7. Uruguay
8. Spain
9. France
10. Switzerland
11. Portugal
12. Chile
13. Italy
14. Greece
15. Costa Rica
16. Mexico
17. United States
18. England
19. Croatia
20. Algeria
Big Ten: Overrated/Underrated.
By Kevin Ryan
We have a conference game under out belt in the Big Ten, and the league slate kicks into high gear next week.
We have been hearing about certain hot topics and trends around the league for the last few weeks, and some storylines are playing out as expected – but others aren’t.
Today, we’ll take a look at a few topics around the conference and give our take on whether they are overrated or underrated. After we chime in, we hope you will, too, in the comments section below the story.
Underrated
Nebraska’s passing offense: The Huskers have Ameer Abdullah sitting at No. 2 in the league in rushing, which is no surprise. Abdullah led the Big Ten in rushing last season, and many believed he or Melvin Gordon would win the league rushing title again. The surprise on offense for Nebraska has been the success of Tommy Armstrong and the passing game. Armstrong is No. 4 in the league in passing yards per game at 257.7 yards and the Huskers are fourth in passing efficiency. Jordan Westerkamp and Kenny Bell are in the top 10 in receiving yards per game, and Armstrong is second in the league in total offense behind Christian Hackenberg. We knew the Huskers would be able to run, but their passing game has been better than expected.
Pressure to win some of this week’s nonconference games: The conference has been much maligned to this point, and for good reason. The 1-10 stat against Power 5 conferences has been thrown around quite a bit, and it could get worse this week. The Nebraska-Miami, Utah-Michigan, Maryland-Syracuse, Indiana-Missouri and Iowa-Pitt matchups are a few more chances for the league to save face before Big Ten play begins in earnest next week.
Several Big Ten defenses: Six conference schools rank among the top 30 nationally in scoring defense this season, led by Penn State in 11th place with 12.3 points allowed per game. Wisconsin is allowing 15.5 points per game, and Nebraska, Ohio State and Michigan and Iowa are all keeping opponents under 19 points on average. Conference teams are particularly strong on rushing defense with seven teams within the top 30 in the country, including Iowa (sixth, 65.7 yards allowed per game), Penn State (seventh, 68.3 yards) and Michigan (10th, 80.0 yards) all ranked in the top 10.
Overrated
Concern about Penn State’s wide receiver situation: Prior to the season the talk surrounding the Penn State passing game was how difficult it was going to be to replace Allen Robinson and how all the tight ends would have to step and fill the void. Well, it turns out the Lions are just fine at receiver. DaeSean Hamilton and Geno Lewis are in the top 17 nationally in receiving yards per game. Hamilton is averaging 8.7 catches per game for an average of 112.3 yards. Lewis is averaging fewer catches (6.7 ) but is making more big plays. He is averaging 126.7 yards per game.
The league’s 3-yards and a cloud of dust reputation: Sure it’s a bit of a dated reference, but the national perception is that the Big Ten is a grind-it-out conference that relies on power running games to get the job done on offense. Melvin Gordon Ameer Abdullah, Tevin Coleman, Jeremy Langford and others in the conference are outstanding backs. However, several Big Ten offenses are more pass-oriented than many realize. Three Big Ten quarterbacks rate in the top 15 nationally in passing yards per game, led by Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg in seventh place with 360.7 yards through the air per contest. Illinois’ Wes Lunt (323.7) and Michigan State’s Connor Cook (314.0) also are averaging more than 300 passing yards per game. We already mentioned above that Tommy Armstrong is throwing for 257.7 yards per game, and Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett, Rutgers’ Gary Nova and Northwestern’s Trevor Siemian are averaging right at 250 yards passing per game. That’s half the league.
The issue of declining attendance, at least in the Big Ten: Two Big Ten schools set attendance records in the last two weeks. A record 53,774 fans were on hand for Saturday’s game between Rutgers and Penn State at High Point Solutions Stadium. The previous attendance record at the venue was 53,737, set in 2009. The Ohio State Buckeyes drew 107,517 for the game with the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sept. 6. The previous mark was 106,102 – set in 2012 against Nebraska.
Tommy Armstrong and the Nebraska passing game are underrated so far this season.
We have been hearing about certain hot topics and trends around the league for the last few weeks, and some storylines are playing out as expected – but others aren’t.
Today, we’ll take a look at a few topics around the conference and give our take on whether they are overrated or underrated. After we chime in, we hope you will, too, in the comments section below the story.
Underrated
Nebraska’s passing offense: The Huskers have Ameer Abdullah sitting at No. 2 in the league in rushing, which is no surprise. Abdullah led the Big Ten in rushing last season, and many believed he or Melvin Gordon would win the league rushing title again. The surprise on offense for Nebraska has been the success of Tommy Armstrong and the passing game. Armstrong is No. 4 in the league in passing yards per game at 257.7 yards and the Huskers are fourth in passing efficiency. Jordan Westerkamp and Kenny Bell are in the top 10 in receiving yards per game, and Armstrong is second in the league in total offense behind Christian Hackenberg. We knew the Huskers would be able to run, but their passing game has been better than expected.
Pressure to win some of this week’s nonconference games: The conference has been much maligned to this point, and for good reason. The 1-10 stat against Power 5 conferences has been thrown around quite a bit, and it could get worse this week. The Nebraska-Miami, Utah-Michigan, Maryland-Syracuse, Indiana-Missouri and Iowa-Pitt matchups are a few more chances for the league to save face before Big Ten play begins in earnest next week.
Several Big Ten defenses: Six conference schools rank among the top 30 nationally in scoring defense this season, led by Penn State in 11th place with 12.3 points allowed per game. Wisconsin is allowing 15.5 points per game, and Nebraska, Ohio State and Michigan and Iowa are all keeping opponents under 19 points on average. Conference teams are particularly strong on rushing defense with seven teams within the top 30 in the country, including Iowa (sixth, 65.7 yards allowed per game), Penn State (seventh, 68.3 yards) and Michigan (10th, 80.0 yards) all ranked in the top 10.
Overrated
Concern about Penn State’s wide receiver situation: Prior to the season the talk surrounding the Penn State passing game was how difficult it was going to be to replace Allen Robinson and how all the tight ends would have to step and fill the void. Well, it turns out the Lions are just fine at receiver. DaeSean Hamilton and Geno Lewis are in the top 17 nationally in receiving yards per game. Hamilton is averaging 8.7 catches per game for an average of 112.3 yards. Lewis is averaging fewer catches (6.7 ) but is making more big plays. He is averaging 126.7 yards per game.
Indiana running back Tevin Coleman is leading the nation in rushing.
The league’s 3-yards and a cloud of dust reputation: Sure it’s a bit of a dated reference, but the national perception is that the Big Ten is a grind-it-out conference that relies on power running games to get the job done on offense. Melvin Gordon Ameer Abdullah, Tevin Coleman, Jeremy Langford and others in the conference are outstanding backs. However, several Big Ten offenses are more pass-oriented than many realize. Three Big Ten quarterbacks rate in the top 15 nationally in passing yards per game, led by Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg in seventh place with 360.7 yards through the air per contest. Illinois’ Wes Lunt (323.7) and Michigan State’s Connor Cook (314.0) also are averaging more than 300 passing yards per game. We already mentioned above that Tommy Armstrong is throwing for 257.7 yards per game, and Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett, Rutgers’ Gary Nova and Northwestern’s Trevor Siemian are averaging right at 250 yards passing per game. That’s half the league.
The issue of declining attendance, at least in the Big Ten: Two Big Ten schools set attendance records in the last two weeks. A record 53,774 fans were on hand for Saturday’s game between Rutgers and Penn State at High Point Solutions Stadium. The previous attendance record at the venue was 53,737, set in 2009. The Ohio State Buckeyes drew 107,517 for the game with the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sept. 6. The previous mark was 106,102 – set in 2012 against Nebraska.
Poorly drafted college coaching contracts that reward abuse.
By Benjamin C. Haynes
Former College of Charleston head basketball coach, Doug Wojcik, recently reached a settlement for $400,000 in lieu of bringing a lawsuit against the college.
Wojcik was terminated due to a 50-page report that indicated it was “likely” that Wojcik was verbally abusive with players, coaches and other employees at the school. This report summarized interviews with 26 different people closely associated with the program. Wojcik had three years left on his contract and was reportedly going to be paid nearly $1.2 million.
Wojcik was terminated due to a 50-page report that indicated it was “likely” that Wojcik was verbally abusive with players, coaches and other employees at the school. This report summarized interviews with 26 different people closely associated with the program. Wojcik had three years left on his contract and was reportedly going to be paid nearly $1.2 million.
While the College of Charleston never reached a direct conclusion that Wojcik did in fact verbally abuse players and employees, the investigation found enough substantial evidence to rise to the level where the college believed it was in the school’s best interest to fire him.
Wojcik’s initial coaching contract with the College of Charleston failed to appropriately protect the school. The contract neglected to have a “for cause” termination clause that specified the contract is null and void if this type of behavior has “likely” occurred. While many coaching contracts have “for cause” clauses that allow the school to fire a coach and not pay the remainder of the contract, the boiler plate “for cause” clause needs to be broadened in scope in order to protect the school from abusive behavior by coaches.
In fact, all college coaching contracts should have similar language. It is unjust for coaches to be fired, for true cause, and then have the ability to collect money for the remainder of their contract term due to poor contract drafting -- especially in cases where abuse is the foundation for the termination.
Former Rutgers head basketball coach Mike Rice was paid $445,000 in a settlement. Rice’s abusive conduct surfaced in the form of a video, where Rice was shown abusing his players physically and verbally. Rice was later terminated by the university. However, due to the negligent drafting of Rice’s employment contract, he was not found to be fired “for cause” and was therefore entitled to compensation from the contract. This conclusion is as unjust as humanly possible.
College coaching contracts need to be significantly altered. With the amount of abuse occurring in professional and amateur sports, both domestically and within programs, public policy alone mandates that coaching contracts be specifically tailored. Coaching contracts need to be drafted in such a way to protect the student-athletes and staff from abuse, while at the same time protecting the universities from having to essentially reward a coach for his disgusting behavior. Allowing a coach who has abused his staff and players to collect the remainder of his employment contract should never occur again.
Wojcik’s initial coaching contract with the College of Charleston failed to appropriately protect the school. The contract neglected to have a “for cause” termination clause that specified the contract is null and void if this type of behavior has “likely” occurred. While many coaching contracts have “for cause” clauses that allow the school to fire a coach and not pay the remainder of the contract, the boiler plate “for cause” clause needs to be broadened in scope in order to protect the school from abusive behavior by coaches.
In fact, all college coaching contracts should have similar language. It is unjust for coaches to be fired, for true cause, and then have the ability to collect money for the remainder of their contract term due to poor contract drafting -- especially in cases where abuse is the foundation for the termination.
Former Rutgers head basketball coach Mike Rice was paid $445,000 in a settlement. Rice’s abusive conduct surfaced in the form of a video, where Rice was shown abusing his players physically and verbally. Rice was later terminated by the university. However, due to the negligent drafting of Rice’s employment contract, he was not found to be fired “for cause” and was therefore entitled to compensation from the contract. This conclusion is as unjust as humanly possible.
College coaching contracts need to be significantly altered. With the amount of abuse occurring in professional and amateur sports, both domestically and within programs, public policy alone mandates that coaching contracts be specifically tailored. Coaching contracts need to be drafted in such a way to protect the student-athletes and staff from abuse, while at the same time protecting the universities from having to essentially reward a coach for his disgusting behavior. Allowing a coach who has abused his staff and players to collect the remainder of his employment contract should never occur again.
29-Year-Old Golf Phenom Who Disappeared From The PGA Tour Will Get $10 Million If He Quits Forever
By Tony Manfred
(Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Anthony Kim, the ex-golf phenom who has become golf's greatest mystery since vanishing from the PGA Tour in 2012, is mulling an impossible decision.
According to a new article by Sports Illustrated's Alan Shipnuck, Kim has an insurance policy that covers him in the event of a career ending injury. The policy will pay him $10 million tax-free if he never plays again, one source told Shipnuck. Kim's friend told SI the policy was worth more than $10 million, saying, "He's trying to weigh the risk of coming back. The way he's phrased it to me is, 'If I take one swing on Tour, the policy is voided.'"
Kim hasn't played since he torn his Achilles in the summer of 2012. Before that he dealt with an avalanche of injuries to his forearm, wrist, and thumb that derailed his career after a breakout season in 2008 — where he won two tournaments and earned $4.6 million in prize money.
He withdrew from three-straight tournaments in April and May 2012, and hasn't been heard from since.
Shipnuck calls him a "recluse." He lives in Dallas, but no reporters have spoken to him. It's unclear if he has played much golf. Fellow golfers have lost contact with him. He grew his hair so long that a golf course worker that Shipnuck talked to said he looks like "a hobo."
Here's how Shipnuck describes his current life:
"Another way of looking at it is that Kim is living the dream: retired at 29, without a care in the world. While his old rivals were grinding in recent weeks trying to make the Ryder Cup team, Kim headed to Belize on a whim. Those in a position to know say Kim is sound financially. He is still under contract with Nike, though company spokesperson Gretchen Wilhelm declined to discuss particulars. In April, Kim put his Xanadu in Dallas on the market for $2.2 million and has been staying with a girlfriend while he assesses his next move. He tools around town in a Rolls-Royce Ghost. It had been flossed out with custom rims, but recently he reinstalled the stock wheels. "He wants to be more incognito," his friend says, without irony. The standing Monday-night card game at a private residence atop the Ritz aside, Kim has increasingly become a recluse. A hostess at So & So's, where Kim is known as an extravagant tipper, says he hasn't been around since the spring. At his favorite strip club, Baby Dolls, the consensus was that Kim hadn't been there in months, and that he was missed. 'He always takes good care of the girls,' says one waitress."
Take the $10 million and give up your life's work? Or give up the $10 million and try to be the best golfer in the world?
Kim is incredibly talented. In 2008, Mark O'Meara said Kim had a better swing at age 21 than Tiger Woods did. Shipnuck reports that Phil Mickelson ran into him in 2013 and thought his swing looked PGA Tour-ready. At age 29, there is plenty of time for him to carve out a career on Tour that will earn him much more than $10 million.
On This Date in Sports History: Today is Friday, September 19, 2014.
MemoriesofHistory.com
1901 - All major league baseball games were canceled for the funeral of U.S. President William McKinley.
1949 - Ralph Kiner (Pittsburgh Pirates) became the first National League player to hit 50 home runs in two different seasons.
1984 - Pete Rose reached the 100-hit plateau for the 22nd consecutive year. He also tied the National League record for doubles with 725.
1997 - Mark McGwire became the first major league player to hit 20 or more home runs for two teams in the same season. It was his 54th home run of the year.
1999 - Sammy Sosa became the first major league player to hit 60 home runs twice.
1949 - Ralph Kiner (Pittsburgh Pirates) became the first National League player to hit 50 home runs in two different seasons.
1984 - Pete Rose reached the 100-hit plateau for the 22nd consecutive year. He also tied the National League record for doubles with 725.
1997 - Mark McGwire became the first major league player to hit 20 or more home runs for two teams in the same season. It was his 54th home run of the year.
1999 - Sammy Sosa became the first major league player to hit 60 home runs twice.
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