Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Fighting on..

Its been a rough couple of months to be a USC fan/alumni/former student. Sanctions, giving back the heismen, disowning Reggie Bush, law suits, new AD, apparently the dumbest looking media guide on the planet... But our will has always been to fight on has always been USC's strength. And here's why I feel confident that USC will be okay. 1. Its USC, you can't keep power house schools down for long, think back to Paul Hackett. and 2. Because Matt Barkley said this yesterday on ESPN, and it gave me hope, "You can't sanction heart and you can't sanction the will to win."

USC has always been a glitz and glamour kind of school and program. We like style with our wins. But at the heart of it, is a connection, that I'm sure exists at other college programs. Everyone is ONE. The players, the coaches, the students, the community. And no matter how shiny we might like things, at the core, you can take away the tropheys and tell us we can't play in post season, but you can't tell us not to care, and you can't take away the desire to fight for Troy. She is, as Brad Pitt would say, "the mother of us all. Fight for her!" (possible favorite movie quote).

But I'm happy that the very young, QB has taken it upon himself not to complain that his college career is being hampered by the mistakes of others, but instead he has risen to be a leader of the team, and is embracing the future. I likey that.

Okay, that's today's installment of Jayme being a homer.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

quiet times

With the whirlwind of birthdays, these have been relatively quiet times from me.

But let me just throw a couple of things out there.

1. Kansas City beat Man U. And they beat them with 10 men. Not really a lot to say here. Good for them. Hope Kansas City and the MLS can use it as a building block, but on the real, I don't think a month from now ManU players are really going to be thinking about or concerned about a loss to Kansas City.

2. Chicharito! I can NOT wait to see him in a ManU jersey on Friday Funny thing is, apparently I will have to wait a couple more days and one half of a soccer game. Chicharito is playing the first half of the game with his former club, Chivas de Guadalajara, and the second half with ManU. If this isn't the strangest thing I have ever heard, I don't know what is.

3. Dez Bryant. I do not care. So he didn't want to carry Roy Williams pads. Let Roy Williams and the Cowboys deal with that. If that's their ritual/hazing/expectations and he doesn't want to, then that's their issue. Not mine. Not yours. I admit, I'm a fan of this kid. I want him to do well. I think he very unfairly got a bad rap and I want him to prove people wrong. But seriously, him not wanting to carry Roy Williams' pads (and let's not fool ourselves, Roy Williams is NOT a big star on the team) is not a big deal in my life.

4. Maurice Clarett. I posted this after the car chase arrest in August of 2006. Yesterday news came accross the wire that Clarett was out of jail and once again attending Ohio State. I honestly, couldn't be happier for the guy. I don't know him from Adam, grew up learning to despise OSU people, but honestly his life hit rock bottom as much as anyone's could and to see him back in school is hopeful. Good luck to him.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Mr. Baseball

Breaking news today. Bob Uecker will be back in the booth for the Brewers on Friday. This is great news for the brewers and baseball fans everywhere. After having successful heart surgery, Mr. Baseball is back!

Uecker returns, ESPN article

Worst Soccer Interview EVER!

If you have ever watched The Soup on E! then you are familiar with this show. Good Day New York. To be fair, I don't like most morning shows, and I've only ever seen clips of these people messing up, but from the little I know about them, my opinion is that they are morons. Recently they "interviewed" Thierry Henry (I use the term interview loosely), and I am simply amazed at Henry's class at being able to hold the whole thing together.

Here's the link to the interview, but be warned, it is almost painful to listen to. They start the whole thing off by telling him he won the World Cup...
Is this the worst soccer interview ever?

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Trojan family honors and respects the USC sporting careers of those persons who did not compromise their athletic program or the opportunities of future USC student-athletes. Accordingly, I have instructed the senior vice president for administration to remove athletic jerseys and murals displayed in recognition of O.J. Mayo and Reggie Bush by mid-August - before the incoming class of students moves on campus - from Heritage Hall, the Galen Center and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The univeristy with also return Mr. Bush's 2005 Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust in August. - Incoming USC president C.L. Max Nikias


Along with the hiring of Patrick Haden to replace Mike Garrett as athletic director, clearly USC means business.

Read the whole letter here.

an oldie, but a goodie

A while back I wrote about how I had Ryan Grant's tickets to a packer game. Today I mentioned on twitter that my favorite GB/chicago game was my first Lambeau game, and I got to thinking about this post, about when I had Edgar Bennett's tickets.


A trip down memory lane. Packers vs. Bears November 16, 2008, my first game at Lambeau

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Johnny Jolly

So Jolly is suspended indefinitely. I don't care. I know that he was a crucial part of the defensive line last year, but any fan who's been following his case and issues over the off season should not have realistically thought we'd have him for this season, and therefore I feel confident that Ted Thompson did not think that we would have him for this season and that the Packers organization has prepared for this.

Jolly is suspended this year for failing the substance policy, he is not suspended for anything having to do with the impending charges and trial, therefore by my assumption, Jolly will probably not be reinstated after the 2010 season for violating the personal conduct policy. I don't know much about Jolly's personal work ethic, but after seeing how he spent his free time lately, I'm guessing that two years without playing and team conditioning will be a death sentence to his career in the nfl.

I hope that Jolly can get his head on straight. I don't know him from Adam, but I'm over it. He clearly made choices that are now threatening his career, and our team, and I think its best that the Packers move on from this. I'm glad that the suspension was announced pre-training camp so that the team, and the players and the fans can move on.

So I'm not going to run around in the streets worrying about what's going to happen to the defense, I'm going to trust that some guy who continues to show poor judgement wasn't going to be the most stable team member and that we have drafted in preparation for him not being around.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

MLS follow up

As a follow up to my MLS/Henry post, here's a link to a blog about the MLS all star game and its implications with the CONCACAF champions league.

An Annual MLS All-Star Game Complaint

soccer stars don't die, they just go to the MLS.



Henry joins the Red Bulls



In his farewell address General Douglas MacArthur said "old soldiers never die; they just fade away" and I once had a Lee Jeans t-shirt that said, "old jeans never die; they just fade away." I suppose the same can now be true of soccer legends.

Latest to join the trend of European star later in his career to make the jump to the MLS is Thierry Henry. Rumors were widely circulated early spring that he would be joining the New York Red Bulls, but with the official opening of the transfer window, the news is now official. Probably more recognizable to the average U.S. audience as 'that guy who handled the ball and kept Ireland out of the World Cup.' he will always be known as the Arsenal player, the fat head on the wall at Wall 2 Wall to me. I was hoping that Henry would join the team in time for the Columbus Crew vs New York game this weekend, but alas, I am not that lucky.

But what about former stars joining the MLS? Clearly the MLS is levels below the English Premiere League, La Liga and Serie A, therefore when players have exhausted their talents and welcomes there, they have to move on. And what better a place that will pay you tons of money because even in your waning years you're still heads and shoulders above half the players out there. And I get why the MLS would want and welcome these stars. They are the big names that the current MLS is lacking. A way to draw in the crowds of people who love European soccer but haven't been sold on the MLS yet. Money, visibility and game attendance. But what really does this say about the MLS and the state of American soccer. Will we ever be able to grow talents of our own? Clint Dempsey doesn't get more "American"; he's from Texas, (hell the guy's name is CLINT!) and likes rap; he's well respected on his epl team and by his peers, but will any MLS team ever pay Beckham or Henry money for him? Okay, I admit Dempsey is NOT a Beckham, but when Dempsey's days playing in Europe are behind him, will he return to the mls? will he be given a hero's welcome and tons of money? I don't know. But something tells me no. And that's because U.S. players are not yet the attention, headline grabbing names like Henry and Beckham.

I'm happy that Henry is coming. The more people tuning in, watching and getting excited about soccer in the U.S. the better. I just wish, at the same time, that there was a way to find more respect for the U.S. game, and to cultivate better players and names from within. Without a doubt, playing more with high level players helps this, but at the end of the day, there is a big part of me that wishes that the MLS could turn from a final resting place for the greats to a launching pad to a high level of play and competition.

Gotta love it!

Must read cheeseheadtv blog about Charles Woodson.

Charles Woodson Called A Hero In Aftermath of House Fire

I found this and it made me think back to the glory that was the weekend celebrating the return of B Favre and Charles Woodson day.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Because sometimes when things like this happen, you have to stop, take a second and think, "wait did that really just happen? and did he really not get a red card for that?"




The De Jong picture is now replacing this picture



as my favorite Kick That The Refs Missed.

and because I'm a nerd, wonderlic scores

Found this linked on twitter this morning.

40 times and wonderlic scores for current Packers

Put it this way. Jolly = 13; Underwood = 16; You should average a 17 to be a security guard. A Rod's = 36.

Also, though JerMichael got a 9 (I blame Texas) as did James Jones... ouch.

I'm most impressed with the linebacking corps numbers. Having a high wonderlic score as an LB is important - I don't care what the cynics of the test say. I want someone leading my defense who knows how to make quick, correct decisions.

George Steinbrenner

In the moments between now and my last post, it has been announced the George Steinbrenner has passed. Rest In Peace.

George Steinbrenner

Regardless of personal opinions of the Yankees, its hard not to admit that George Steinbrenner is/was a genius when it came to running a team. He's the Jerry Jones of baseball. I despise his team, disagree with most of his tactics, but dammit they are genius and without him the sport would be light years behind where it is today. Its hard to imagine the current MLB without Steinbrenner. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, as he is in critical condition in a New York hospital following his heart attack this morning.

Monday, July 12, 2010

post wc disorder

So the World Cup is over. Spain won. And justifiably so. Wasn't the most thrilling game, but in the end the right team, the better team won. Netherlands was lucky to play with 11 men for as long as they did, as generally kicking someone straight in the chest kung fu/karate kid style with no attempt to go for the ball, cleats up, is not allowed in soccer. Some of the more American Football sports writers that I follow on twitter had some issues understanding the game, and quite honestly I was pretty fed up with the seemingly constant complaints that the game was boring or that somehow extra time and penalty kicks is uninteresting. If anything, this world cup has taught me that some people don't get or understand soccer - and that's fine, as nascar lacrose and cricket will never be things that I care for. But there is a difference between ignoring and letting people enjoy their sport and constantly complaining that the biggest sport in the world either somehow doesn't live up to your shallow american standards or complaining because it has somehow infiltrated your life. (do i sound annoyed by that? cause i am). So yeah, I sent some strongly worded tweets to Pat Forde and Chris Mortenson. Come on, what isn't tense about extra time or penalty kicks in the finale of the World Cup?



In other news, Favre has starting playing football with high schoolers again. Its a dual purpose event. 1. it makes him look like he really does just enjoy playing the game and will play it with anyone and 2. YES, live feed of him throwing!! Lebron might have had a one hour special, but if you really break it down, Favre has a yearly mini series.


Brian Carriveau just posted this link on twitter. Our own Dorsey Levens, on a whole new playing field.
Dorsey Levens acting career

Also, Bodog has set the over/under for Packers wins at 9 1/2, I'd take that bet!

Okay, my stomach is waging war against my body, and I'm spending the day in bed with a marathon of the Office. back to bed for me.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Man United

The list of Man U players traveling to the States was announced today:

Travelling squad: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Rafael, Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher, Darron Gibson, Chris Smalling, Nani, Fabio, Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez (will join in Houston on 27 July), Mame Biram Diouf, Tom Cleverley, Ritchie De Laet, Corry Evans, Ben Amos, Gabriel Obertan.

Man what I wouldn't give to see Chicharito, Welbeck and Diouf!

Dan Gilbert

Apparently no one ever told Dan Gilbert the trick of typing that really mean letter/email/text and then putting it in the draft folder until the next morning when cooler heads will decide if sending/publishing is a good idea. I'm guessing that at some point tomorrow, he will definitely wished that he had learned and utilized that trick.

The link to the ESPN copy of the letter

I linked to the ESPN version because the one on the cavs website is in a such a ridiculous font, no one should have to sit through it.

I get it, I've been disappointed and felt betrayed by a player. "Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us." In the Heat of the moment, the decision is hard to understand and accept from the Cleveland perspective. But Gilbert goes on to say, "You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal."

Cowardly? Betrayal? Really? Okay. Lebron was honest from the beginning, he was entertaining options to go play somewhere else. It was all over the news each time he met with a team. Its been public knowledge for years that Lebron desires to be an international superstar and a billionaire. He never promised to be in Cleveland for ever. Cowardly would have been lying, and then having a hidden announcement about his plans. But he looked Cleveland straight in the eye (through the tv set) and announced his plans. That's not cowardly. Was it, as Gilbert says "narcissistic, self-promotional"? yes. but not cowardly. Also, one can feel betrayed without actually having been a victim of betrayal. A fine distinction that Gilbert doesn't seem to comprehend at this moment.

It is after these statements that Gilbert seems to really lose his cool. "some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there." Oh Dan, so over the line.

I get the point, you're pissed. You want to reassure your followers that the team will use this as motivation to keep fighting and that you will deliver the much anticipated championship to Cleveland. But the letter was not written by a confident man, who is in charge of his emotions and team and message. It does not inspire hope. It comes across as a petty attempt to lash out at someone who hurt you. If the team can rebound with out the "chosen one" then why put this much effort into destroying his image and publicly admonishing him.

I say all this from the outside though. I'm not a Cleveland fan. I'm barely even a basketball fan. So this personally does NOT affect me. Its a lot easier to be objective and logical when you have no emotional attachment to the situation. When B Favre came back I was pissed. He looked us right in the eye, promised to always be a packer and wiped a tear from his cheek. And now he's a friggin Vicking. I think if I ever meet him someone will have to forcibly stop me from punching him. Or at least screaming in his face real loud. (okay, lets be honest, if I ever see him, I'll prob just burst into tears and curl up in the corner - but a girl can dream). So on some level, I get the passion that Gilbert is/was feeling, but at least you weren't lied to. At least you didn't take a day off of work to cry in front of a computer feed of the press conference. At least you don't have a copy of that crying press conference on dvd and didn't rewatch it once a week that summer before he came back and broke your heart. Take comfort in that. and as always, Keep it classy, Cleveland.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

T-minus Two hours

I just wanted to put this in writing before it actually happens. I WILL NOT BE MAD AT LEBRON JAMES IF HE LEAVES CLEVELAND.

1. I'm not from Cleveland nor a cavs fan, so why should I be mad at all?
2. This is different from Favre. I don't know how to explain it, Favre felt like part of our family. He grew up with us. We really felt like we knew him, we watched him grow up, struggle, marry, lose his father, etc. I, for one, was always under the assumption that our bond with him went further than football, than the business of it all. Lebron is from Ohio. but his ambition has never been hidden; he wants to be a billionaire superstar. He is not lying to the people of Cleveland.

So Lebron, if you want to go, go! This is a business. I know some/most in Cleveland will despise you, but I'm sure you'll get over it; they're just mad cause you were the last great thing their city had and now they're the next Detroit. And if you want to stay, stay. Just promise us all this, make a decision and live with it. As someone who mourned a player leaving, having them come back from the dead is just complicated - to say the least.

Tonight my biggest problem will be trying to watch this spectacle while listening to the premiere of cheesehead radio.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Thursday at 9pm

I don't care where Lebron goes; him having a tv show to announce it is ridiculous; I'm putting 10 dollars on B Favre getting in a private jet and circling over the midwest at about 8:55 pm EDT Thursday night; I did have a pretty sweet dream that involved a Lebron song and dance explaining where he's going to go.

Is anyone going to watch this? Is anyone going to watch it and then admit they did? Is anyone going to watch this and not be pissed off?

In other news: I am now making a solid showing in my WC fantasy league. Thanks Sneijder.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

weekend wrap up

So...

Brazil's out of the World Cup, and Dunga is out of a job. All those saying they saw this coming are lying. No matter how good one thought Netherlands is/was, i don't believe anyone who said they had Brazil out before Uruguay.

Speaking of Uruguay, way to cheat your way into the semis! That game was Ghana's. But as I say that, I also believe that the one game suspension for Suarez is the right call. (Can't change a rule mid tournament), and while clearly that would have been a Ghana goal at the end of extra time, if you want the win, TAKE it. And they didn't. It was heartbreaking, yes. Would I have loved to see Ghana win and a team from Africa move on. Yes! I doubt the WC will return to the continent anytime soon; that was their chance. But this is not a Disney movie. So while my heart goes out to Ghana, "what happened, happened." Nevertheless, it was some of the most intense and amazing moments of the World Cup.

That was up until the Spain/Paraguay game. I was suffering from a migraine all Saturday, but luckily enough SB woke me up just in time to see perhaps the strangest 5 minutes of soccer. Penalty kick Paraguay. Saved by Casillas. Penalty kick Spain. Converted. Oh but wait, Pique's (I think it was Pique, but it might have been someone else) foot was crossing the penalty box as Alonso (who was on my fantasy team!!) kicked the ball. Re-kick. Saved. The only time two penalty kicks were saved in one World Cup game. Classic.

So Dunga's out of a job, the South Korea coach is out of a job. And somehow Bob Bradley still has one. Baffles me. Listen, after the World Cup, the coach generally leaves. Maradona might even leave. And Brazil lost to a good team, Korea lost to a good team, Argentina lost to a good team. And they all still leave. I'm done with thinking half way is good enough. BB's contract is up in December, lets move on already people.

In non-soccer news. Lebron is still a free agent.

Responses to Mike and Mike in the Morning.

1. No, not every MLB team should be represented in the All-Star game. The best are the best. You can't in one breath try to make the game more significant and at the same time also make it a consolation prize.

2. There is a difference between being a fan of the game, and a fan of a team. When your team is out of it, ie. playoffs/tournament and you don't want to watch the rest of it, either one of two things is happening. 1. you're a fan of the team and not really of the sport itself or 2. you're bitter. I don't care if you're only a fan of the team, but then don't walk around saying you love the sport but you can't watch it. When the Packers lost to the Giants in that stupid NFC championship game, I was MAD at football, I took some time off from listening to ESPN radio, but I still watched the superbowl. When the USMNT team lost to Ghana, I was MAD at soccer, but I still dragged my very hungover butt downstairs and turned on the England/Germany game. If that's not you, fine. That's you, but don't pretend its the same. Cause its not.

Looking ahead

Back when I did my first WC bracket, I had Germany beating Spain in the Semis as payback for the 2008 Euros. After Ballack got hurt, I waffled. So while at one point I really believed in Germany, I will admit that I didn't stand behind it. So tomorrow, if Germany does win, I get no credit. There, I said it.

Also, today I look like a lobster. Sunburn is fun. Really kids, it is.

Friday, July 2, 2010

The Daily Show

Incase you missed the Daily Show from Wednesday with BB and Donovan, the clips are below.


You're Welcome - World Cup
The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
You're Welcome - World Cup
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorTea Party


Vuvuzealots
The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
World Cup 2010: Into Africa - Vuvuzealots
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorTea Party



The BB and Donovan interview
The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Landon Donovan & Bob Bradley
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorTea Party




While I love Donovan on the field, I really think he should stay away from being interviewed for a while. He just does not translate well.