Jim Brown talks about Ernie Davis

If you are a sports fan this is a must see movie.

Ernie Davis was the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy.

Receiving congratulations from Pres. Kennedy.

Gyro-ball revealed

The best part is the pitcher's celebration.

Tribute to Troy

Let's be honest...Canton, Ohio's NFL Hall of Fame is, for the most part, a place for superstars who care about the stats and put themselves first. The NFL has a lot of proud, overpaid pre-madonnas who are too good to be disciplined. You won't find the situational player who plays when the coach tells him to. You find the whiner who doesn't get the #&@* ball. And you won't find the player who busts his butt in practice, you find the guy who had turf toe all week so he couldn't practice, but of course played Sunday's game. You find the specialized monsters who have perfected their skills, you won't find the player who plays 4 positions. I would love to see this jersey hanging in the Hall of Fame one day, but it's just not going to happen. Or is it?

Troy Brown is everything most NFL players aren't. He's unselfish, humble, a team player, willing to listen to his coach, versatile, grateful. And what has that got him? Just check out his fingers, the man has three Super Bowl rings. He's the player every NFL coach would love to have, because he doesn't have to be on the field all the time--but if you need him to be, he will. He'll play WR, he'll be used as a RB, he'll return punts, he'll return kickoffs, he'll be on special teams coverage, he'll even play DB when your secondary is pummelled by injury(he was also on the depth chart as QB during the preseason one year). An NBA coach recently was asked about the chances his team has this year. He said "Well, if my players are worried about how many minutes they are getting, this will be a tough year. If they are here to win, then we will in great shape". I'm sure Troy Brown could play point if needed.

The thing I love about Troy Brown is he's the smallest guy on the field. I was always worried someone was going to break him. Yet, he always did his job and whenever the Pats needed a big play, he made it. How many times did he return a punt for a TD in the playoffs? Seems like more than once. And how about that play against the Chargers in '06 during the playoffs when Brady got picked and then Brown forced the fumble and the Pats recovered the ball! Amazing. Big players step up in big games.

But listen to this. Patriots all time leader in receptions with 557. Three-time Super Bowl Champion. Over 6,300 receiving yards. One of the faces of the Patriots franchise that has carried the NFL for the last 10 years. In 2000, 83 rec...2001, 101 rec...2002, 97 rec...that's 281 catches in 3 years! Not only did he put up amazing numbers, he overcame all the odds. Troy Brown is a black man's Rudy--but better. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 1993 draft, 198th pick out of 224. He was subsequently cut in the preseason but then signed later that year. He continually had to prove himself.

I would never have classified Troy as physically big, man, I always thought he looked so skinny with those pads on, but look at him without pads.

The dude is ripped!

Listen, I get, I get it. He's not a sexy player. When he retired, ESPN was nice enough to mention it in passing. He is not the story that sells. And that is exactly why are society is going to pot. We give all the air time to fools who have no morals, no dignity, no respect, no gratitude, and we leave the Troy Browns of the world hanging out to dry.

Troy Brown, I am going to miss you. You were a breath of fresh air. A player who wasn't cocky, who actually cared about the team, who never said I, it was always "we" or "us". He would do anything, at any time, in any position on the field. He turned down more money as a free agent to stay with him team--a true novelty these days. He was the symbol of the Patriot franchise--and will remain so for a long time. Forget Tom Brady--give me another Troy Brown(well, I'll take Brady back too).

What do you think? Express your opinion in our poll on the sidebar. Should Troy Brown receive Hall of Fame consideration?

B...Y...U...Cougars

We came to crash the party!

Belichick deserves an Oscar

This one goes out to all the Patriot fans who for some reason are in mourning. I know, I know. You had to suffer through the death of Brady 2008, only to see a pillar of light in a 2-0 start to the campaign with hopes of hooking the Dolphins in week 3, and then...after 45 minutes of football your season was destroyed for the second time this year. You have all given up. Cassel sucks. The defense is old and weak. We can't throw deep to Moss. I know, I know...but there is also something I know that you don't. Trust me, you don't need to worry.

For starters, don't think that we can start winning again because Belichick is going to cheat again. He is not peeking anymore. I have proof. See the picture below. But listen, I know what Belichick is doing, and I am surprised I am the only one. People, we are talking about Bill Belichick, Master Yoda of the pigskin, the Tanya Harding of gameplanning!!! Do you honestly think he could get beat by the lowly Dolphins, at home, by 25 points--when he was trying?


I have it on a good source that the Pats blew Sunday's game on purpose. Think of it. If they kept rolling along and beating everybody on their schedule again, when would the pressure get to Cassel? How much can he handle? Each Patriots opponent would get all pumped up for the game and try to be THE TEAM that stopped the Pats regular season winning streak. Now, after one home loss to the 'fins, the whole league thinks the Patriots are done. They aren't worried anymore. Their guards are down. They don't have to dethrone the king anymore. Nobody does. It's already been done. DO YOU SEE HOW BRILLIANT BELICHICK IS??? Forget the zen of Phil Jackson, THIS is GOOD STUFF!!!

Here Matt Cassel is getting attacked by the Dolphins. Did he question Belichick's pregame talk of "Men, give me 10%!". Let's hear what Matt had to say. "Well, I realized coach was right. Either I get beat to death in one game, or get pounded every week for the rest of the season. I think we all knew which was the better option. I'm pretty sure I would have cracked under the pressure. Whenever I get praised, I blush and can't think straight. I mean, all those girls at Leinhart's house giving me compliments...anyway. So, I needed to be brought down to earth. Now we are the lowly Patriots, and there are no expectations. I can just get back to being the all-state high school quarterback that I am".

Poor offensive line play--was it just an off day? I don't think so.

Cassel's call for help in the 3rd quarter didn't fall on deaf ears

Although Belichick took the week off from gameplanning, he was there to back up Cassel when he needed him.

Belichick spoke to me in a private interview after the game and I asked him what the hardest part of this week was. He told me "Praising Tony Sparano for that game plan was hard, real hard. I think they ran the same play to Ronnie Brown 6 times, but my players did a great job of missing tackles. They really put on a good show tonight. We did a good job of acting, but the Dolphins made it hard. I mean, they really suck".

There you have it New England. Lift up your chin. There is hope. Week 5 in San Francisco will be a beat down. We might not have Brady, but we have the next best thing--a high school quarterback and Master Yoda on the sidelines.

Manny being.....I won't even say it.

Indifference. That's what I'll label it. There are other words I would like to use but I'll leave it at that. I think this picture tells it all. Sad thing is, I really like the guy--even though everything he does makes me wonder why.


Manny Ramirez quit on his team, his town, and his effort. Check these stats out. In 365 AB with Beantown, he hits 20 HR, has 68 RBI, and bats .299. He cries, complains, bullies the Red Sox employees, stops trying, takes vacations, and then is moved to no pressure LA where in 173 AB he has already clubbed 16 HR, had 49 RBI, and is batting a nifty .399--and is being mentioned as an MVP candidate. This is why I hate Manny (along with the fact that after begging him for an autograph for my dying mother, he consented-- but my pen had dried up in the negotiations so he walked off). I hate him for giving up on me, a loyal Bosox fan who baseball actually means something too.

Wouldn't it be nice to be so good at something that you could do whatever the heck you wanted and your boss would just take it. Or send you to Hollywood instead of firing you. How would that feel? If any of you want to know, I'll tell you...because I am THAT good at payroll.

In case you Dodger fans think you have hit the jackpot on this one, realize two things. Manny is a free agent and will require top dollar--that's #1. #2 is the following, it's Manny Ramirez, and that means it's only a matter of time before he starts acting like the real Manny.

Hanging it up

I am officially retired from the world of blogging.

Ben Favre

P.S. I don't feel wanted (last post, 0 comments)

Accountability of a Stripper

I'm sure we have all heard of the ex-stripper who was trash talking A-Rod at a game and he came up to her, said hi, and asked her out. That led to dinner, a visit to his apartment, and then an affair. A-Rod is a piece of dirt, that two-timing, wife-hating, cheater. He should be held to a higher standard, after all. Right? Well, sort of. While I do think athletes, because they are in the spotlight and are idols for so many kids, need to be very careful of their conduct, that does not mean that the average ex-stripper gets a free pass for what she did.

This Candace lady is all stressed out now because paparazzi have been showing up outside her parent's home. She said "I don't need this. I am not the one with a pregnant wife at home". Yes, but you are the one who had sex with her husband. Not once, but twice, the second time a year after she "felt bad" after seeing his wedding ring. Here are a few more things this lady said that make me scratch my head......

“It was killing me and I felt bad afterwards,” she said. “I’m not a bad person. I know how it feels to be cheated on, it sucks. But a couple of drinks later, I didn’t notice all that much, to tell you the truth.” (on her first night with A-Rod--alcohol does it again)

“He said he had a big game the next day. I like to say I helped us win,” she laughed. “I reversed the curse!” (During the 2004 ALCS--way to take on for the team)

“A leopard doesn’t change his spots. Good for her, I think she’s doing the smart thing. And she’ll probably get tons of cash." (On Cindy Rodriguez filing for divorce--real classy thing to say. So if a leopard doesn't change his spots, what does a stripper not change? And, I'm sure any honest women would love to exchange a broken heart, marriage, and family....not to mention broken hearted children, for a ton of cash.)

I have never once heard this lady offer any apology, or say she did anything wrong (other than down one-too-many Heineken's) Are we going to let her off this easy? As much as I dislike A-Rod, she had a choice too, and she chose to be a fornicator. Twice. (well, with A-Rod anyway) It would be nice if our society would adopt something called accountability. Let me spell that for you. A-c-c-o-u-n-t-a-b-i-l-i-t-y. It means, if you do something stupid, admit to it and realize there are consequences and you get to deal with them for doing something you shouldn't have.

NBA Draft (yawn) 2008

I bring you this last minute post in the event that I can salvage some precious hours of your life. Back in the day when I actually had cable (it was free) and I could watch ESPN nonstop, besides being perfectly happy I was also naive in some respects. The first year I had ESPN I waited with anticipation for the NFL draft. It was going to be the best day of my life. I was going to sit in front of the television and watch history happen. But then something tragic happened. No, my cable didn't get disconnected for failure to pay the bill (it was actually free with the apartment), but what happened was even worse. Stupid Eli Manning and his daddy decided that they didn't want to play for San Diego, so they decided that they were going to sabotage the whole day and when he was picked first by the Chargers it was like watching Clay Aiken get a kiss from Angelina Jolie--it was something he didn't want. As I sat through the next few picks I realized that the 15 minute gap in between was the longest 15 minutes of my life. It was stupid.

Then the NFL decided to do this whole deal where the team would announce who they were going to pick before the draft even started--what the heck is that all about? It's like saying "I do" before the bride walks down the aisle. It takes the suspense out of the whole thing. Pretty soon the NBA followed suit and players were receiving millions of dollars before the draft had even begun. I soon came to realize that what could, and should be one of the most exciting events in sports, has become nothing but a bunch of athletes sitting around the table with family members waiting in a tremendously long line for a family portrait.

So for all of you who plan on watching the NBA Draft tonight, DON'T!!! I'll tell you right now what is going to happen. The Chicago Bulls will select Derrick Rose with the first pick in the NBA Draft. If I am wrong I will let you take care of my youngest daughter until the NBA season starts--she's real sweet, but watch out--she eats poop. Back to Rose: He's a hometown boy, the NBA league is becoming more PG friendly, and the kid is a stud. He's a proven winner and if Douglas-Roberts (or Rose for that matter) could have made a few free throws, he would have an NCAA Championship to boot. (While we're on that topic, does anyone else feel bad for John Calipari?? I have always liked the guy from his UMASS days, and he's got some bad luck)

Second pick: Drum roll please....is Michael Beasley. They guy is a beast. He will be a 20/10 guy in two years, has a huge wingspan and he is intimidating. You know Dwayne Wade is pulling for Beasley. I'm sure him and Chuck are talking right now about getting Beasley some sockies for his feety-feety. You know, a welcome to Miami house-warming gift.

And that's it. The rest doesn't matter. I'm sure we'll have a bunch of international floppers taken in the first round--just hope they get flopping bonuses when they sign to compensate for the fines they will be receiving next year.

My advice to you: skip the NBA draft and check ESPN.com tomorrow. I leave you with some suggestions that I faxed David Stern to improve the ratings of the NBA Draft. Only watch the draft is you catch word that these changes will be airing. I'm on hold right now with Stern's office and I just got confirmation that the fax went through!!

1. As each player is picked, we turn it into a slam dunk contest. They get selected, grab a ball, and give us their best "Dee Brown-I-really-am-covering-my-eyes-my-arm-is-not-see-through-like-Cedric-Ceballos'-black-headband" dunk.

2. Serve them cocktails while they are waiting to get picked so if they slide down they really get mad, also it would make for some better acceptance speeches if they were hosed. (I do not support alcohol in any form--I'm just saying)

3. As a player is picked, do a bio on "Where they are now" about each draftee's father. (If this one was offensive, I'm sorry)

4. Each team has as many seconds to pick as they had wins in the season. So #2 Miami would have exactly 15 seconds to make their selection after Chicago picks, who else, Derrick Rose. The Celtics would have the most time to select, a whole minute and six seconds.

5. Have each player read a 300 word essay on "Why you should pick me first and let me have hundreds of millions of dollars."

A programming note for those who WON'T be watching the NBA Draft tonight, Dr Phil, airing on KJZZ starts at 8pm MST as does So You Think You Can Dance, airing on FOX.

The Truth about MVP

Here are the originals.

Some photos I edited using Picnik. Check it out. It's like Photoshop but online and free!

The Heart of a Champion

This post is coming a few days late. The whole world has been talking about Tiger. I decided to wait until the talk died off a bit. I wanted your undivided attention. Now that I have it, maybe I can help you realize what you are witnessing, and make you appreciate the position we are in. Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer to ever play the game. And we are seeing him make history right before our eyes.


Maybe a comment or two for you Tiger haters--because I know you are out there. First off, most of you hate Tiger just because he is the best. You probably like the Cubs or Indians, one of those franchises that always lose. And so you can't like a winner. You probably don't like Twilight either, because it's a winner. (heavy dose of sarcasm here) That's fine, I can appreciate that, but don't let the hatred blind you. Personally, I hate Dennis Rodman, but I knew he was the best rebounder in the game during his prime. I hate the Pittsburgh Steelers, but can complement their hard-nosed way of playing football. I also hate with all the hate in my body the New York Yankees, but I can overcome that hatred and appreciate....well, actually I can't think of anything positive to say about the Yankees. (Although I do like the fact they haven't won in who knows how long). If you are a Tiger hater, admire him for at least these two reasons. One, he wants to win so bad, he will do anything to get it done. He'll play through pain two months after knee surgery--and with broken bones in his leg! What?! He's a animal! Talk about motivation, hunger, desire. He's no Mike Hampton.

Another reason to appreciate Tiger Woods is he is the best celebrator in all of sports. As much as I love watching Larry Bird in his tight shorts waving the white towel when he beat the Lakers, Tiger gets the nod here. After he hit that putt on the 18th hole at Torey Pines to tie Mediate and force a playoff, he was so pumped I swear the television at my in-laws was shaking. I just wish he would give post game interviews like the one Kevin Garnett gave. (I didn't understand a word he said) Why do I like it? Because I can see that he cares. I can feel his emotion, I see his heart and his dedication. I think he might need to give Pau Gasol some lessons--the chest punching gets a little old after a while.

And here's Tiger kissing the US Open trophy. Poor Mediate, he's in the background as runner up, but that's not what he's thinking about. He just realized he forgot to clean Tiger's pool. You have to hand it to Rocco though, he didn't even qualify for the Open, he had to win a playoff to even be invited, and he took the #1 player in the world to the brink. Pretty impressive. Unfortunately, when you have the heart of a champion, you find a way to win. Even when all the odds are against you (like being down 3-0 to the yankees with a sutchered ankle) a champion can overcome those obstacles.

Tiger just found out some news from Rocco. Let's listen in.

Rocco: "Hey Tiger, great playing--but I got some bad news"

Tiger: "What? You suck at golf?"

Rocco: "No, well yes, but no, that's not what the bad news is."

Tiger: "What's the bad news?"

Rocco: "I forgot to clean your pool. Isn't that funny?"

Tiger: "That's not funny, now go get it clean before I hit you with this trophy."

Let me conclude with this. The day will come when Tiger will be old like Arnold, you will be old like your grandpa, and your kids will have kids. And you will all be sitting around the television when your grand kids will turn to you and say "Grandpa, did you ever watch Tiger Woods play?" You'll gaze off into the distance soaking in all the memories, then you'll jump up on the couch and give a fist pump for the ages as you kiss your can of Sprite and say "Heck yeah". (or something like that)

On Top of the World

I'll admit it. I hate taking pictures. Taking family photos are painful for me. But this is one photo I wouldn't mind being in. What a night! I don't know who's sitting being Tommy Heinson in the front, but he looks annoyed. Welcome to my ESPN Writer blog. I realized when I created my last blog that I have a lot of opinions, but more often than not they have to do with sports.



Let me first say that Garnett played like a champion last night. He wanted it. Pierce wanted it. Allen wanted it. This photo captures Garnett on the floor after Odom hacked him while he made on of the greatest clanger shots I have ever seen. He drove down the lane hung in the air, pump faked, hung some more, and then as his feet were touching the ground, he banked it in. (reminiscent of Larry Bird's shot (fast forward to 7:30)). I never thought it was going in. If anything I thought it was going to break the glass on the backboard. I screamed louder than a fat guy in a bathtub full of bacon when it did. But it had to go in. Because as Marc Jackson and Mike Breen kept drilling in our heads, it was June 17th, the Celtics were going for their 17th Championship, and John Havlicek wore #17 and he was in the stands. Not to mention that Paul Pierce, the Finals MVP finished with 17 points. Luck of the Irish.


The truth is, I fell in love with Paul Pierce in these playoffs. He is a gamer. I cried in Game 1 when he went down grasping his knee. Without him, the series was over. It would be like Kings of Queens trying to win an Emmy without Doug Heffernen. Not happening. End of discussion. The fact a freaking elephant in Kendrick Perkins landed on him didn't exactly give me any hope he would be okay. But when I saw him come out of that tunnel, it was like I had seen my wife for the first time, I just knew. (that they would win) Pierce did what Kobe couldn't. He took over the game when he had to, and was the floor general who hooked up his teammates when they were open. (Although he did miss a wide open Ray Allen with about five minutes left that would have given Ray the record for 3's in a game--oh well, next year, right?)

Is that the sweetest stroke ever? It was last night. There was nothing funnier than watching Sasha Buggersnitz trying to weave his way through screen after screen to try and guard Allen. He was getting knocked around like a pin ball while Allen would catch, look for Vujacic and not see him, square his feet, call home to check on the family, and then drain three after three. It was pure. P-U-R-E, PURE. By the way, can we watch one game without a Ray Allen-Jesus Shuttleworth reference? I've never seen the movie.

After going up by 42, and nailing another 3 pointer, Ray Allen and Eddie House starting floating. That's what winning an NBA Championship feels like. (Either that or Ray Allen is doing his best Will Smith-Hancock impression)

Let me leave you with some final thoughts on Game 6 of the NBA Finals. -I actually felt bad for Kobe a little bit. But only when they were down by 40, he clanged 3-ball after 3-ball, and they put his picture on the jumbo-tron and all the fans mock cheered him--and he looked up and saw his face and was humiliated.
-Second best move of the night: Big Baby Davis going almost the length of the court and dunking with authority. A close third was the alley-oop to Tony Allen.
-Loved it when the fans booed David Stern.
-What was up with Pierce dumping Gatorade on Rivers? Doesn't he know there are thirsty children in Africa?
-Doc Rivers is not that good of a coach. When you hear him "WIRED" and he says the same things I would say to a team, (like, "Do you believe", "Fight, fight, fight", and "We are better than they are") you know he has no idea what he is doing. I think Flip Saunders, Mike D'Antoni, and Isiah Thomas (all who were fired this year) could have won with 3 future HOF's on their team.