New York Post and New York Daily News mocks Patriots, Belichick and Gronk ahead of Thanksgiving game

Every now and then you think the sporting media in New York cannot go any lower, and then something comes along that recalibrates your expectations lower still. Today, the New York rags were working in overdrive, The New York Posts’ cover featured New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick Photoshopped onto a turkey, and the New York Daily News also made Belichick its back cover with the headline "Brain Freeze."

Both rags were making clumsy, over dramatized and boneheaded references to Belichick keeping Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski in for the final extra point of Sunday's blowout win over the Colts. Gronkowski broke his arm on the play and had surgery Monday.

What they are missing is glaringly obvious. This is professional football. Not college ball. There are smaller squads, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and have your guys on the field. What they are also missing is that no doubt Gronk, who simply loves playing the game of football, probably wanted to be on the field anyway.

Above and beyond those obvious points, their greatest mistake, other than taunting a superior team, other than talking trash when you are trailing badly in the standings and other than making fun of a vastly superior and more decorated coach is their taking the exceptionally slimy path of making jolly of a players injury. That’s just pathetic. Making fun of an injury is one of the last remaining taboos in sports journalism

Most don’t do it. Even the more fringe online entities don’t do it.

The Post and Daily News seems to think it’s ok though, poking fun at a serious injury that stops a man from doing his job. Really base stuff, scraping the bottom of the barrel, but then with the Post in particular, this is basically nothing shocking. This is actually The Post living down to their lowly expectations.

Hopefully the Post and Daily News get their kicks out of their eye catching headlines today. The acid test will come Friday morning, we will see who is laughing then.

Current game handicap?

New England -6 points.

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Barkley injury opens the door for The Fighting Irish

With another dominant win, this time blasting past over-matched Wake Forest, Notre Dame marched a little closer towards its first National title since 1988. With some dramatic news following USC’s capitulation to UCLA, that march became a full on charge. Word has come out that USC Quarterback Matt Barkley will not be able to face The Fighting Irish after injuring his shoulder against UCLA. The injury is being reported as a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder and is serious enough that Trojans coach Lane Kiffin has already ruled him out of the game against Notre Dame.

Kiffin has also confirmed that the immortal Max Wittek will take Barkley’s place. Wittek has never started a collegiate game.

What this means is that all that stands in the way of Notre Dame finishing the regular season unbeaten and advancing to the National title game is a downtrodden team fresh off a 28-38 beat-down and led by a QB who has completed 8-of-9 passes thus far in his entire college ‘career’. USC have been a relative flop this season (once holding the number one spot in the BCS standings), and basically have nothing to play for next weekend. Notre Dame on the other hand, will be taking the field knowing their destiny is in their hands. One more win and they go to the big dance.

Manti Te'o and his defensive colleagues must be frothing at the mouth, waiting to get their hands on Wittek.

It should be noted that while this is obviously incredibly good fortune for Notre Dame, Barkley deserved better. If you recall, he did not enter the NFL draft last season instead choosing to finish off his education and complete his senior year with his team mates in USC. The good news for Barkley is, he will still be drafted high up the board as he has all the skills needed at the next level. There are plenty of clowns out there who will stab at this and say ‘he should have left college’ (and entered the draft) but what they are missing is Barkley will finish his education and his final year at school will stand to him the rest of his life.

Meanwhile, next Saturday Notre Dame have a chance to make history and make their way to the BCS title game.

That path just got a little bit easier with this unfortunate news.

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The New York Jets end of season implosion starts prior to NFL week 12

The New York Jets annual implosion is happening a little early this season. The New York Daily News and ESPN are both reporting major commentary coming out from both named and anonymous Jets players, all basically coming down on the side of the incumbent in the Jets’ QB controversy. The comments are pretty shocking in their openly derisive slant towards Tim Tebow in particular, although they also verbally assault the Jets’ receivers.

The fact of the matter is though, this is all just noise.  Why is the New York Daily News writing a hatchet piece about Tim Tebow? Why is ESPN gleefully getting in on the act? Is it a clumsy attempt at distracting the public from the ugly truth, that it doesn’t matter what people think about the backup QB, the New York Jets are absolutely awful

They are 3-6 and fading faster than Rex Ryan’s waistline. Mark Sanchez is playing absolutely horrible football, with a league-low 52% completion rate and league-high four red-zone interceptions. What’s the point in focusing on the backup QB?

The comments are surprisingly inflammatory (although, at this stage, should we be surprised by anything coming out of the Jets locker room?)

“He’s terrible,” a defensive starter told the Daily News. Both offensive and defensive players said that they hadn’t noticed any improvement in Tebow’s quarterback skills in practice. Left guard Matt Slauson didn’t even bother staying anonymous. He made it clear that Sanchez is the Jets’ best quarterback. “It’s not even close,” Slauson said. “All the other quarterbacks know it. I have all the confidence in Mark. We don’t really have a choice.” When asked about the team’s two other quarterbacks on the depth chart as possible alternatives — Tebow and Greg McElroy — Slauson said again that the Jets have only one backup quarterback. “We have Greg . . . and we have an athlete,” Slauson said. In reference to the wildcat formation “We can’t win running that sh--,” one player said. On and on it went “Now we’re depending on miracles?” a member of the organization said. “You can’t play that way.” Does anyone want Tebow as the starter? Anyone on the Jets at all?  “Nobody,” a member of the team said.

It’s not only Tebow who is under attack “Look at some of the players he’s throwing to,” a Jets official said. “It’s garbage.” Said another Jets source: “I’ve seen better receiving corps in college than we have on our team.”

Here’s then thing, whatever about those crazily open, aggressive comments, forgetting completely for a second how outrageously damning they are towards Tebow, imagine for a second the impact those comments have on what’s left of the Jets' confidence within the locker room. You think Tebow wants to work with these guys going forward? Perhaps more importantly, how do you think the Jet’s wide receiver corps are going to react to such blatantly coercive internal criticism?

Not well, would be the obvious answer to that.

This team is an absolute mess. There is absolutely no sense of cohesion or a plan or any kind of stability. It is a train wreck and it is about to go off the tracks. The New York Jets are blowing themselves apart a little early this season, and the explosion that’s causing the drama is coming from within.

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Sports in the United States now a major part of US Military propaganda: A few thoughts

Last night I stumbled upon what I first assumed was a History Channel documentary on the fall of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazi Germany, one of those ones they do in that gaudy Technicolor finish. There were loud, boisterous, fanatical and nationalist crowds chanting mantras and combining to execute perfect rhythmic gestures. There was loud, nationalistic music, and fly-overs by military airplanes. Soldiers marched  pre-game, and were deified like heroes of Ancient Greece. Even the crowd and side-lines were top-heavy with men and women in military uniform. The commentary was unified with one, mantra like message; ‘Support the troops!’

I was, of course, wrong, and I was actually watching coverage of the NFL last night. A sport, a pastime and an entertainment, completely and utterly hijacked by all branches of the military.

Hold on now, steady your hand for one second, before you go barging into the comments section, virtually waving your arms and shouting blue-murder.

A couple of full-disclosure type disclaimers before we get started. First of all, I have the utmost respect for those who decide the military path is for them. My extended family has a number of veterans in its ranks, heroes one and all, to me. I have a number of close friends who have served, also,  and I tip my cap with full reverence to them.  This is not a rant against the necessity of organized armed forces, and definitely not a rant against those who make up their ranks. Having studied history in college and having been brought up by a brilliant historian, I urge you not to confuse the below with some kind of misguided rant against the military.

This is also not a war on Veteran’s day.  Yesterday’s celebrations across the stadiums of the United States at supposedly entertaining, friendly, sporting events acted as the catalyst though, to a line of thinking, curious and questioning towards the endless, ceaseless stream of pro-military propaganda (that is what it is, like that word or not) that is embedded into the fabric of modern sporting America.

Here’s the problem. Not so long ago, before ‘Glasnost’, before Mikhail Gorbachev and the fall of the Soviet Empire, we all scoffed in unison at the blatant and clumsy Russian deification of their massive armed forces. Those massive pro-communist forces, socialist murals and posters may have looked magnificent, but to us in the West they were a symbol of an oppressed peoples, misled by their leaders. Those of us in Europe in the 1980s in particular recall the massed ranks of Soviet military making up most of the attendance at their soccer team’s games in European competition. A little bit before that, the far greater evil of Nazi Germany practically wrote the book on integrating sporting activities and Nationalist propaganda. We have all seen the footage, the massive, throbbing crowds chanting and roaring in unison, Nazi flags everywhere you looked.

Why is the United States following that path so readily, so easily, and so completely without question? Trust me, I checked. Absolutely no one has even raised a sniff of a hint of a question about this bombardment of military propaganda within the sporting realm.  Forget the semblance of opposition, there isn’t even the vague suggestion of a questions as to whether this is the right path to be following.

Maybe it’s best to take a second to look at ‘Why?’.

Why is there so much recruitment propaganda on sporting websites that children and young adults frequent? Why are soldiers, sailors and airmen being wheeled out at every single sporting event until sometimes you forget there is a game about to be played. The military slant is fast becoming a feature of the entertainment being presented to us.

But why? This isn’t a garage sale, and it isn’t a tinned foods drive, the Military certainly isn’t having any issues raising funds. Why is the sporting media and why are sports events across the States trying to make the military look so inviting? What are they trying to paint being part of the military in such a good light for? Is it because they care so deeply about the well-being of the youth of America, the young men and women of the United States poorer cities (far and away the greatest percentage of the combined armed forces are from Detroit, Atlanta and the other damaged, broken cities of America)?

Well if that were the case, they wouldn’t be promoting the act of sending them to faraway places to be killed, maimed and psychologically impaired. If that were the case then they would be eulogising and waxing lyrical about the vital importance of education. If that were the honest case, they would be trying to reach the youth of the United States to educate them on the importance of a good diet and the dangers of obesity.

However, no, we get endless flashy, glossy advertisements on sporting websites telling us how sexy it is to put a uniform on and serve Uncle Sam.

The only logical answer to why sports media, online, in print and at sporting events presents being a part of the military in such a glowing light is that same military badly needs warm bodies. Your white, well-to-do son isn’t going to do it. He and or she will be too busy in a upscale college to get their hands dirty in the Middle East. No, it’s going to take a lot of sports loving, Hispanic, Asian, African American and other ethnic group’s kids to get the military populated to the numbers the massive war machine of the United States needs.

Where better to recruit these children, youths and young adults than the sports websites and events of the games and teams they love?

Obviously, no one is going to skip and hop down to the recruitment agency after watching the Omaha beach landings in Saving private Ryan. However, stick a few busty cheerleaders in front of them, and get a few NFL\MLB\NBA players to shake the current incumbent military personnel’s hands while giving them a well-meaning hug, and the watching youth of America are probably considerably more likely to sign away their lives on the dotted line, right?

Once again, we are not just having an unnecessary ‘poke’ at the military. They are what they are, a necessary evil. What I am wondering here is, do we really have to deify the military like this at sporting events? Do we really have to expose the children and young adults of the United States to  the trappings of what is a deathly, serious, business and do we have to hijack sports in order to do this?

Look, no doubt this is going to be an unpopular piece, but before you go hammering into the comment section with the usual fist shaking, ranting vitriol, think for a second. Ask yourself the question, why are the US sporting media and the relevant sporting bodies going this far out of their way to heap adulation on men and women who are involved in basically travelling overseas and killing people from other cultures? Why is it being rammed down our throats every kick off, every time out and every break? Honestly, are you 100% comfortable with a carpet bombing campaign of military recruitment bring flung out our youth on ESPN, CNNSI and Yahoo sports?

Is this really the path we should be going down, a path well worn by the media of Nazi Germany and Communist Russia?

That’s the type of society we want to emulate?

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Celtic pull of magnificent upset of mighty Barcelona

They are already calling it one of the greatest results in the storied history of Celtic football club. Last night Celtic beat Barcelona 2-1 in the Champions League group stages, finding a way to beat what some people think may be the greatest club football team of all time.

Interestingly, Celtic tapped into the template that both Inter Milan and Chelsea have used in recent years to find a way past normally unbeatable Barce. Namely, 'park the bus', as in keep all eleven men behind the ball, chase and harass the opposition all night and try and catch them napping at set pieces and on the break. 

Many teams have tried those tactics, however perhaps Celtic were more physically suited to succeed. They are a massive team physically, and had just the right parts that worked on the night. Barcelona wasted far too many crossed from out wide into the box, and the big Celtic defenders handled them with ease.

At times, because of the fascinating size difference, it looked like men playing against boys, the big Celtic players often towering over their Barce counterparts to head a ball clear.

It should be noted, that the above tactics only work when a team has the players and skill to pull it off. Plenty of teams try to 'park the bus' against Barcelona, more often than not they end up on the wrong end of a 4-0 bashing.

Celtic stood firm. 

The match statistics tell us exactly what kind of a siege Celtic had to (skillfully) withstand.

It's not often you will see oddball statistics like that, so heavily skewed in one teams favour.

Whatever about tactics, nothing can be taken away from this magnificent and indeed heroic Celtic performance. They were nothing short of superb on the night, and fully deserved their win.

Regular readers of this column will know we are massive Barcelona fans, often fawning in admiration of their style of play and class. Even we are left tipping our cap and congratulating Celtic, on a job well done, and a wonderful night for the Celtic fans in particular.

You'll never walk alone, indeed.


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The Superstars are out and voting but who's for Barack Obama and who's for Mitt Romney?

Derek Jetter shakes President Obama's hand at an All Star game

The big night is tonight, and the Superstar athletes we all love have been busy campaigning and voting for their preferred choice to occupy The White House and lead the United States the next four years.


Who is voting for who?

First, in the incumbent’s corner, Michael Jordan is not only the greatest living basketball player, he is also a known Obama fan, and has given his time and money to the cause. Some would argue Billie Jean King is the greatest female tennis player of all time too, and she is also a staunch Obama supporter. One of the hottest players in the NFL Giants receiver Victor Cruz hosted a fundraiser for President Obama. Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat kept the basketball theme going by attending a fundraiser for The President. Perhaps there is something in the fact that The President loves basketball, that is reflected in his incredible support among the NBA ranks. Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Magic Johnson and Doc Rivers are just some of the big Obama fans in the NBA’s ranks.

Yankees legend Derek Jeter is an ardent Obama supporter, as are Vernon Davis of the 49ers and MLB home run king (the real home run king) Hank Aaron. Even those who can’t vote are eager to voice their opinion, for example Manchester United’s superstar Wayne Rooney, who took to the social networks to voice his support for The President.

Above all perhaps, The Greatest has been a huge supporter of Obama, The President enjoys the support of Muhammad Ali, and that’s a serious endorsement!

Now to the right, where Jack Nicklaus was seen rallying with Romney. Rockies first baseman Todd Helton is also a known Romney fan, and one of his youngest too. Wrestlemania CEO Vince McMahon has donated the legal maximum $2500 to Romney's campaign. There must be something about wrestling and Romney, as Hulk Hogan also support the Republican hopeful. Romney is also supported by Yankees ‘slugger’ Alex Rodriguez. That might be the kind of support he could do without, however. New York Jets owner Woody Johnson said in an interview with Bloomberg TV that Romney winning the election is more important to him than winning the Super Bowl. If the current odds against Romney winning and the Jets record in the AFC East are anything to go by, Johnson will probably not have to worry about either happening.

Looking at the above lists, what stands out is the majority of famous athletes seem to be in support of President Obama. Certainly the younger ones, certainly many of the greatest of their respective fields, and, for what it’s worth, certainly the coolest ones!

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Republican candidate Paul Ryan, a Packers fan, waves the Terrible Towel

Republican candidate Paul Ryan waving the Terrible Towel of the Wisconsin Packers

Big night tomorrow night. Normally it is best to keep politics out of sports, however, this is just too funny and too juicy to ignore. First the facts. Paul Ryan is a much ballyhooed Packers fan. He is a Wisconsin congressman and a self-professed (at any available opportunity) Green Bay fan. Ryan and his boss, Mitt Romney, have already shown they will twist any truth, flip any fact on their campaign trail, so it should be no surprise that Ryan, while campaigning in Pennsylvania, had no problem at all waving a ‘Terrible Towel’ for the Pittsburgh faithful in Carnegie. The stunt was very popular at the time, however, it would appear the good people of Wisconsin are not thrilled at all.

"Packers fans don't wave 'Terrible Towels' any more than they'd get a tattoo of Mike Ditka or blow that annoying Vikings trumpet thing," said Mike Tate, chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. "Paul Ryan can call himself a fan of ending Medicare, but it doesn't look like he can call himself a Packers fan after this shameful episode."

‘Shameful incident’ might be a bit strong, however in full context that chairman quoted above would appear to be making that statement with tongue firmly in cheek.

What is fair to say, however severe the incident, the image of Ryan waving the Terrible Towel shamelessly over his head is a potentially powerful image. Powerful enough for sure to remind some Green Bay fans that Ryan (and indeed Romney) will flip-flop on topics such as which NFL teams they support, without a seconds hesitation or thought.

In football country, that’s a problem.

Ryan is being torn to shreds by Packers fans on the usual social networking sites and NFL forums.

It doesn’t seem to matter what stunts Ryan and Romney pull, their chances of winning the election would appear to be disappearing faster than Tyrell Owen’s NFL career. Last week most bookmakers had President Obama a very firm favourite at odds of 1/3 (meaning you would have to place $3 to win just $1). As Romney in particular has appeared to hop gleefully from gaffe to gaffe his odds have slipped further and further into the distance.

Right now, this Monday afternoon, President Obama is 1/5 to win the election.

Stunts like this, Ryan waving the Terrible Towel so beloved by the Steelers fans and so reviled by his supposed brethren, the Green Bay faithful, are only going to push those odds out further still

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Cavaliers Kyrie Irving unveils Uncle Drew, Chapter 2

This is brilliant. I would go as far as uplifting (and there are plenty of us out there that need a lift right now, New York, I am looking at you!). The Cavs young star Kyrie Irving and a soda drink have teamed up to create this joyfully funny character 'Uncle Drew', basically Irving in heavy make up as an old street-baller.

He turns up at random street courts and wows the locals with his surprisingly awesome play. Let's get one subject out of the way straight away, this video is so good, it doesn't matter that it is basically an advertisement for a soft drink. Let's move on. There is a part one to what appears to be building to a series, however we are skipping straight to number two because basically this one is better than part one. This is 'The Empire Strikes Back' to part one's 'Star Wars', if you will.

For Part Two, Irving gets together with Kevin Love, and they play Uncle Drew and his old buddy 'Wes'. They take to a street court and take on 'The Young Bloods'. Check out the expression on the courtside fans and players as the two old guys show up.

Enough with the chit chat. Free up five minutes for yourself and watch this.



Fantastic stuff, no? Bill Russell's appearance is an added bonus. The on-court action is really funny, and even the music is great.

It is rare that something this creative and funny comes along, so don't bother picking at it, trying to find flaw and fault, let's just enjoy it for what it is.

We can't wait for Uncle Drew, Part III

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