Posted 10:41 AM by logoshak
With all the turmoil that occured during the regular season, did anyone really believe that the Los Angeles Lakers would fold up the tents and concede defeat during the NBA Playoffs? It is clear that the championship is theirs until someone takes it away from them. Kobe, Shaq and the gang are well coached and appear motivated to take yet another title. Bad news for the T-Wolves and anyone else who gets in their way.
Is it just me or does everyone miss the point about Iowa State basketball coach Larry Eustachy. The guy goes to the enemy's camp after his team is defeated and parties with the opposition. Drinking and getting familar with the ladies, while his team is God knows where. I can't imagine any coach in the country displaying this type of behavior and getting away with a slap on the wrist. No wonder some college athletes have moral problems when their coach is at the bottom of the behavior barrel.
For anyone who has even a casual following of horse racing, recognizes the name of jockey Laffit Picay Jr. After suffering a neck injury in March, he retired Tuesday after 9530 winning mounts. The Hall of Famer will be missed by everyone who follows the Sport of Kings. Good luck Laffit!

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:31 AM by logoshak
Is there anything more over blown and over hyped then the NFL draft. An annual ritual that could be done in a couple of hours over the phone, is now scaled up to a 10 hour made for TV spectacle. The only thing that anyone remembers about it the next day is how forgettable it is. Hopefully your favorite team made some smart moves and will improve this season. Which is more than can be said about the draft itself.
Had to feel good about Fred Couples this weekend. Once a dominating player on the PGA Tour, recent medical and personal problems had relegated hime to a non factor on the tour. That he showed some genuine emotion after winning the Houston Open was refreshing to see in a pro athlete. Got to believe that Freddie has some more success laying in wait for him down the road.
Another great performance yesterday was the no-hitter tossed by Philadelphia Phillie Kevin Millwood. Tossed aside by the Atlanta Braves (who needed to free up cash for over the hill Greg Maddox) Millwood proved he was the pitcher the Braves should have kept. Making it all the more sweet, he did it against the best team in the National League, the San Francisco Giants. Way to go Kevin and continued success.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:57 AM by logoshak
The NFL draft cranks up Saturday and the suspense over who the #1 pick will be is over. The Cincinnati Bengals signed QB Carson Palmer to a contract. If wisdom holds true, any draft that has a quarterback at the #1 slot is a weak draft. Will be interesting to see who falls where, after the marathon 5 hour first round.
As mentioned yesterday, the NCAA approved a fund to pay athletics under certain situations. They will fork over $17 million from their $6 billion CBS basketball contract, to establish a fund for the athletes. Seems like a very small bandaid for a very large problem. Don't think this will stop wealthy athletic boosters from sliding cash and perks to the players under the table.
What is it with cell phones being tossed at Major League baseball players this year? Are the players supposed to say "Can you hear me now?" I guess throw away cell phones are a bad idea. I hope all the idiots out there who must throw phones and tackle umps, get this out of their system this spring. Have a great weekend!

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:25 AM by logoshak
Can it be true? The NCAA is expected to approve funds to compensate scholar athletes without compromising their eligiblity. After harvesting billions of dollars in television rights fees for bowl games and NCAA basketball tournaments, the powers that be are going to give a little bit back. How much will the NCAA give its athletes? About $114 per player. Now these great scholar athletes will have enough money for pencils and shoe laces. There is justice in the world!
I have read that MLB baseball might be considering contracting the Detroit Tigers. One of the most hallowed traditions in the history of the game belongs to the Tigers. The current team is bad and plays lifeless baseball. But this is the fault of the Tigers ownership and management. It takes money these days to compete on the major league level and lots of it. The question is whether MLB and Tiger fans will wait for the Daddy Warbucks of an owner to show. Don't send the Tigers packing for some outpost in Mexico.
I get nervous when my 75 year old father drives on the freeway, heck he's driving a Buick. But what about Mario Andretti crusing Indy at 200 mph. Sure he's not your average 63 year old. Wednesday he did his best impression of Joey Chitwood with an airborne triple flip. C'mon Michael, can't you get someone a little younger than your Dad to shake down your cars? Oh, and don't call A.J. either.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 10:23 AM by logoshak
Tony Stewart knows how to drive a race car, no doubt about that. What has gotten him in trouble in the past is the stunts he pulls outside the racecar. Old Tony may be growing some different stripes. He has managed to avoid using his boxing skills on the media and fans. Now he has come out urging NASCAR to establish a permanent safety team to travel the circiut, which by the way, every other major racing series has. Tony says that seeing a hodgepodge of rescue squads and good old boys around the tracks just doesn't build confidence in the case of critical crashes on the track. Well, Tony we have been waiting three years for soft walls, maybe NASCAR will tackle this area of concern within five years or so.
The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs have so far, captured the excitement award this spring. Last night Minnesota ousted Colorado, Philadelphia routed Toronto and Vancouver edged St.Louis all in seven game pressure cooker series. The NBA will be hard pressed to match this action.
Sammy Sosa is clearing his trophy case so he can place the batting helmet in it that saved him serious injury after a rising fastball shattered it Sunday. Wonder how much that helmet would fetch on eBay?

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:15 AM by logoshak
The Boss is at it again. George Steinbrenner couldn't leave well enough alone, he had to question the man who has put the silver in his trophy case. Joe Torre wanted to send Cuban pitcher Jose Contreras to the Triple A Columbus Clippers for more work. Old George thought it better to send him to the Yankee's minor league complex at Tampa. Certainly, the owner pays the bills, but he should put faith in the knowledge of his staff. Joe won't put up with this crap like Billy Martin did.
Alabama's 312 pound All-American lineman Wesley Britt won't be posing in Playboy magazine. Britt was named to the magazine's All American team and was to fly out to California and appear with the other team members. Britt turned down the offer after consulting with God, saying he did a lot of work with kids and wanted to be a positive role model. Wow, it's great to know that athletes still consider moral consequences of their actions.
Found buried in the sports section- Nine time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis was arrested for a DUI early Monday in south Los Angeles. He was said to have struck a sound barrier in the highway. Guess Carl has forgotton about the moral consequences of his actions.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:27 AM by logoshak
It may be too early to tell how the Major League Baseball season is going by looking at the standings, but you can glean a few clues. The Yankees and Red Sox are the class of the American League with Kansas City a surprise and no real leader in the West. The San Francisco Giants are leading the pack in the National League with the Montreal/Puerto Rico Expos the surprise team. Pitching is usually good in the early going, it will be interesting to see how the pack sorts out going into the summer months.
The WNBA and the NBA reached a last second agreement that would save the season. Only trouble the agreement hasn't been signed off on yet. The deal is for five years, with the only question being, can this league survive five more years?
Gosh, the Indianapolis 500 is just over a month away. Dario Franchitti will miss the race with a back injury, suffered in a motorcycle crash in Scotland earlier this month. Still wish that CART and the IRL would settle their differences and allow for the all the best drivers to compete in the 500.
Have great holiday weekend!

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:43 AM by logoshak
While the WNBA players association is in talks to seemingly self destruct, now word that Major League Soccer's players have formed a union. Now I'm not going to say that these players don't have a right to organize and strike if need be. But isn't it strange the leagues that are hanging by a financial tread are the ones that have its players put demands on them. The WNBA and MLS could be going off to that defunct league in the sky pretty soon. Why can't their players realize this?
Word out that the Arkansas football team received three years probation from the NCAA. Looks like a Razorback booster was rooting around the wrong side of the regulations, overpaying players for work they performed at his trucking company. Which brings up the argument, when is the NCAA going to pay college athletes for a fraction of the money they bring into the schools? Then they penalize these programs are trying to help these players out with more than shoulder pads and English books. This sort of regulation only breeds misuse and violations.
Gee, how would be a great way to throw away 2 or 3 grand? I know, I can go on eBay and put in a minimum bid of $2500 to win an afternoon with Jose Canseco. I know he will be there when I visit, he is under house arrest for participating in a 2001 bar brawl. Wonder if the hookers and booze is included at this price?

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 12:26 PM by logoshak
Last night #23 made it's last appearence as the Sixers bopped the Wizards 107-87. Looks like MJ is finally hanging up his Nike sneakers. Selena Roberts of The New York Times wrote that Michael is simply out of touch with the times.."Age did not mellow Michael Jordan; it disillusioned him as he scoured every boyish face on the Washington Wizard's roster but failed to see himself in any of their eyes" MJ never realized that today's athlete is driven solely by the money and not by the work ethic. This will be his biggest challenge in the front office, to find the next MJ.
The man who created the Ring of Honor at Texas Stadium will now be in the Ring. Fourteen years after being forced out of the Cowboys organization by Jerry Jones, Tex Schramm will see his name become the 12th member of the Ring. By the way he brought the other 11 members into the Ring. Schramm is 82.
Things will be pretty quiet in Hockeytown for awhile. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim completed a 4-0 sweep of the defending Stanley Cup champs Red Wings with a 3-2 overtime victory. There will be a load of octopi on the backyard barbeques this weekend in Motown.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 10:37 AM by logoshak
What is it about Chicago? Last year a drunk and his drunker son attacked a first base coach during a Royals game and during last night's game with, you guessed it, the Royals, an airhead attacks the ump by the first base line. What is MLB to do, install 25 foot high barriers made of chicken wire and screen all fans for wire cutters? Do these jerks do it for the publicity and to have their 15 minutes of fame? It's ugly and could affect the game, if families become wary of taking their kids to a game.
Caught the HBO program Real Sports last night. Had an interesting piece on future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. He still wants to get back in the game at age 44. They seemed to give him a bad rap about this. He is willing to play for the minimum major league salary. I think in this day of bland, wniney athletes, it's great that a guy who is well off, still wants to play. Anybody remember a guy named Gordie Howe?
A sad item in the papers today. Former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose died at age 88. Tose brought the lowly Eagles to the Super Bowl, help found the Ronald McDonald house and bankrolled the Eagles Fly for Leukemia program. Unfortunately, Tose could never conquer his gambling addiction. He claims to have lost $50 million trying to beat unbeatable odds. I hope he is remembered for the kind, generous man he was.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 10:26 AM by logoshak
Pardon me Roy, is that the Carrboro Choo Choo? Late Monday night in Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina officials introduced former Kansas head coach Roy Williams as the replacement for ousted Matt Doherty. Williams bid a tearful farewell to Lawrence and steps into a pressure cooker at UNC. Doherty left Williams a solid core of players and recruits for Williams to produce winning results right away. The only major question remaining is whether ex-UNC star and assistant coach Phil Ford finds a place on the staff.
Last night may have been Michael Jordan's last hurrah in a magnificent playing career. Although his Washington Wizards lost in MJ's last home game, he was still able pump in 21 points. MJ can now concentrate on his golf game and if he wishes, pursue a coaching or management career. Heck, wouldn't be surprised to see Michael playing the Senior Golf tour in a few years.
Can you believe it? The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim have taken a 3-0 lead in the Stanley Cup playoff series with the defending Cup champions Detroit Red Wings. A hot goaltender and stingy defense is putting the clamps on the boys from Hockeytown. This NHL playoff season promises to be a good one.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:56 AM by logoshak
It seemed the Martha and Hootie Show never got going and Tiger found himself in the Woods, but the 2003 Masters was quite the enjoyable show. Mike Weir became only the second southpaw and first in 40 years to win a Major. I am hoping the uproar over allowing a female member into Augusta, lasts another year, as it was great not seeing all those Cadillac commercials sandwiched between putts. All in all, a keeper.
Is the jury still out on MLB's experiment in Puerto Rico. The Mets and Expos put on a good show, but the crowds were a bit thin. The teams had to fight temperatues exceeding 130 degrees on the field. I have to applaud baseball's attempt to open up off shore markets. Just not sure if this is the right one. Mexico comes to mind as a great untapped market.
Hats off to the US women's curling team, who won the world's title in Winnipeg. Hey, I know curling isn't the most visible sport out there, but it still takes dedication and determination to excel. Besides any sports that uses stones and brooms can't be all bad.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 12:13 PM by logoshak
The fledging Atlantic Coast Hockey League is apparently no more. The league will reorganize as the WHA2, a feeder league to the new WHA. Have these people been watching too much arena football. Hockey is going through a meltdown now (pun intended) as too many teams in too many places diluted talent and money. I look for both these leagues to suffer swift, agonizing deaths.
Some people went to Augusta and a golf match broke out yesterday. Tiger Woods had almost as tough of a time as Martha Burke. I still think Augusta chairman Hootie Johnson's greatest contribution to this year's tournament is taking the commercials off the tv telecasts. No matter how you feel about the gender exclusive issue, this years green jacket will have a few stains on it.
Condolences go out to the family of John Butler who died Friday at age 56. Butler was responsible for putting together the Buffalo Super Bowl teams of the 90s. He most recently was GM of the San Diego Chargers. You will be missed.
Have a great weekend everybody!

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 12:07 PM by logoshak
Hootie and the Blowfish. A popular rock bank? No. It's Hootie Johnson and the smug good old boys at the Augusta National Golf Club. The Hoot-man tried to compare his male only club to sewing circles, hunting clubs and other gender specific organizations. Hootie, put the bottle down, these people don't put on an historic golf match that goes out on international television. Shame on the tour players too, acting like nothing is happening, content to take their big paychecks home at the end of the week. It was rumored that Nancy Lopez was being considered for membership. Nancy, you got something that will disqualify you right away....CLASS.
Steve Spurrier tried to make lovey dovey to the New York Jets after the Skins swiped four free agents from the NFL club. Don't know if there is any truth to the rumor that the Skins helmet will feature the Chief straddling a 747.
Look for Kansas coach Roy Williams to be announced today as the new Head man at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Williams will step into the hottest pressure cooker in college sports. He is Dean Smith's hand picked choice. Now that's pressure.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 12:54 PM by logoshak
Hats off to the UCONN women's basketball team for pulling off back to back titles. Lead by spark plug Diana Taurasi, the Huskies held off a determined Tennessee team at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. I personally thought the women's Final Four was as exciting as the men's. Everyone is already talking about next year, as UCONN has no seniors and can only get better.
Sources say the Kansas coach Roy Williams will be offered the coaching job at the University of North Carolina. Williams turned down the job three years ago to stay at Kansas. If he had won Monday night, I believe he would have come to Chapel Hill. Instead, I think he will look at Kansas and think there is still unfinished business to take care of there. UNC will probably have to look outside the Tar Heel "family" to find their next head coach.
Commissoner David Stern has told WNBA players if they don't settle their dispute by April 18th, he will cancel the 2003 season. The players want substantial pay increases and free agency. It'd be a shame to lose the momemtum the college tournament created. The WNBA is on shaky ground as it is, with failed and shifting franchises. The players seem to be drilling holes in a ship already sinking.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 10:53 AM by logoshak
Okay, I am seeing orange this morning. I picked the Kansas Jayhawks to take home the gumbo from New Orleans based on their experience. I underestimated the power of Syracuse's youth especially phenom Carmelo Anthony. The Orangemen will keep the NCAA in the east another year, taking over the crown from Maryland. The question now is whether Roy William will be looking for a house in Chapel Hill.
The Florida Panthers nabbed the #1 pick in the upcoming NHL draft, the league's worst team, the Carolina Hurricanes will pick second. The Canes also announced the they will retain coach Paul Maurice for the 2003-04 season. GM Jim Rutherford said he was pleased with the team's effort. It must have been an effort displayed somewhere besides the on the ice this season.
The New York Yankees had their season opener snowed out. A late season snowstorm blew through the East yesterday causing havoc. Guess Joe Torre will have to keep his new lineup on ice one more day.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 12:14 PM by logoshak
If the reason you follow auto racing is to observe the wrecks and the general mayhem, then yesterday was the day for you. The Formula One race in Sao Paulo, Brasil was marred by a series spinouts on a damp track and a couple of horrific crashes that forced the red flag stoppage of the race and a controversial win gives to McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen. At Talladega, Alabama the NASCAR race had its customary "big one" crash. This time 28 cars were involved including race winner Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The men will have to go along ways tonight to do the excitement of the women's tournament at Atlanta. Kansas and Syracuse are no strangers to the big dance finale and this should be a good one. Look for Kansas' veteran lineup to have the advantage. My prediction-Kansas by 7.
In what may well be Michael Jordan's final season, he continues to try to will the Washington Wizards into the playoffs.He scored 25 points Sunday to lead the Wizards past the Celtics in overtime. It's clear that Washington will go as far as Michael can take going into the playoffs.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 11:39 AM by logoshak
And then there were two. The Kansas Jayhawks and Syracuse Orangemen will meet in the Superdome Monday night for the NCAA men's basketball championship hardware.Kansas completely shut down my dark horse pick Marquette 94-61 in the fourth biggest rout in Final Four history. Syracuse was in control the entire way in advancing past Texas 95-84. While I believe the title game will be close, I give the edge to Kansas with their veteran lineup.
Caught the WUSA match yesterday between the Carolina Courage and the Washington Freedom. The women put on a great show. Mia Hamm led the Freedom to a 2-1 victory over the defending league champions. A crowd of 6000+ watched the match and gives rise to the thought that pro soccer might have a chance of surviving and even grow in the US.
First New York Yankee star Derek Jeter dislocates his shoulder in the first game of the season and now Cincinnati Red center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. suffers the same injury. Sure they are non related freak occurances, but strange how these how dollar athletes suffer similar injuries days apart. Have a good Sunday.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 12:13 PM by logoshak
What's wrong with the Braves. Well 0-3 isn't exactly the end of the world. Sure, the lowly Expos have whooped up on them, but the season isn't a week old yet. Sure, they have won 11 straight division titles. Sure they have a huge payroll of veteran players. Manager Bobby Cox has to be squirming on his hardwood dugout seat. They want another World Series trophy and they want it now. Look for the Braves to begin to mesh and prove to be the class of the National League again.
Major League Soccer five time All Star Marcelo Balboa announced his retirement Thursday. He was of those players who gave the league credibility in the early going. He will be missed by the MLS that seems to have trouble developing big name stars.
Also announcing a pullback from her high profile career is Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes. She has pulled out of an All Star skating tour and says she needs time to reflect on her future. Hope she makes the right decisions and is happy with them. She has been accepted at Harvard. Good luck, Sarah!

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 10:52 AM by logoshak
Two noteworthy milestones may have taken place in Pittsburgh last night as the Penguins came back to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. Mario Lemieux's last game in the Iron City and Ron Francis may have played his last game there too. Even though Lemieux had a good season, he may have decided that his body can't take the grind. He will take the summer vacation to decide how he feels. Ron Francis may decide toiling for the Canes isn't worth the big bucks contract he has for next season. If he were to be traded to a contender, he may try to wrestle another season out of his 40 year old body.
Interesting item off the wire, Anna Kournikova was the number one draft pick of the Kansas City Explorers of World Team Tennis. Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova were also chosen in the draft. WWT has been around since the 70s in some form or other. I still think it is a neat concept, that may yet make it to the big time. Certainly more interesting than Pro Bowling which is on the networks.
The FIA has filed a case in the European Courts to have the 2005 ban on tobacco advertising ban on Formula One cars extended to the original date of 2006. Formula 1 depends on the baccy money to operate. Without the funds, several F1 races could be canceled in 2005.

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 9:55 AM by logoshak
Have clipboard-will travel- As reported last week in this blog, Matt Doherty "resigned" yesterday as head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Doherty was no doubt pressured to do so after a canvas of team players said they didn't like him. Talk about a case of the inmates running the asylum. UNC athletic officials will now round up the usual suspects and try and hire a replacement. The AD listened to players before forcing Doherty out, he won't listen to them on a possible replacement. Kinda twisted,huh, considering this is perhaps one of the plum coaching jobs in the country.
The New York Rangers managed a tie with the New York Islanders last night to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. If they fail to qualify for the Cup playoffs, it will mark six straight seasons without going to the dance. Has any other franchise in pro team sports squandered so much money to achieve so little results?
Minor league baseball cranks into high gear this week. Can't wait to get out to the ballpark. The resurgance in the minor league level game has, I believe, also help spur interest in all levels of baseball, from Little League to the Majors. Let me have two dogs all the way and go team!

Barry allsportsguides.com

Posted 10:01 AM by logoshak
The New York Yankees begin their 100th season and their star infielder dislocates his shoulder on a slide at third. Surely, this is an April Fool's joke. The boys in pinstripes wishes it was. Jeter will have an MRI today to determine the damage. If the All-Star shortstop looks like he will be out 3-4 months, look for George Steinbrenner to spare no expense in getting a capable replacement.
Billionarie Eugene Melnk submitted a bid for the bankrupt Ottawa Senators NHL franchise. It appears the league desperately wants to keep the team in Ottawa. The loss of several Canadian teams to the States has proved to be a PR nightmare. Looks like the Sabres will remain in Buffalo for the time being. Portland, Oregon and Houston, Texas are said to be pursuing franchises. One liking candidate may be Anaheim where the Mighty Ducks are said to be on thin ice.
Perhaps the hottest sports memorabilia right now is that of the United States Football League. Our survey shows that USFL items increased in value an average of 7% in the first quarter of 2003, in a generally declining marketplace. Bring back spring football, there is a market for it.

Barry allsportsguides.com