Category: Controversy

The Lake Show…The K True Hollywood Story…

On By kassienetteIn Basketball, Controversy, NBA, Sports, UncategorizedLeave a comment

 

It was like a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie…

It was a chilly Friday. I was minding my own business on when I decided to check out the trending topics on Twitter. To my surprise, both Mike Brown and Phil Jackson were trending. If you are a trending topic then something has happened, good or bad. I soon found out that Mike Brown had been fired as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Immediately, that “think” cloud appeared above my head. Come again? Five games into the season and the Lakers now do not have a coach? Definitely did not see that coming. After his not so graceful exit in 2011, it was natural to assume Phil Jackson’s name would be brought up for consideration.

Throughout the entire weekend “sources” reported that Jackson was the front runner and it was essentially his position to turn down. If a camera was following me around, it would have seen me out and about shopping, dining, relaxing, honoring our vets and the brave me and women who serve currently along with frequently checking my phone to see if a new coach had been named. Then Monday morning happened. It started off with my usual routine. Prayer, laying in the bed not wanting to get up, quick check of the weather then turning on the tv to watch SportsCenter. There was breaking news! Yes! As a blogger, it was just what I needed but definitely not what I expected. The Lakers unanimously decided to hire Mike D’Antoni. Here comes that cloud again. Come again? When I went to sleep Sunday night, his name was being thrown around but NO ONE, absolutely NO ONE believed he had a shot at getting the job. If someone tells you they believe he did, they are lying!

So lets break this down. It is not often you hear the word unanimous used when deciding on a coach, especially in the professional ranks. It is well documented that Jackson does not have much of a relationship with Lakers owner Jerry Buss nor his son Jim, the executive VP of player personnel. However, in the world of sports, your personal feelings should not determine how you do business. I was not there when this unanimous decision was being made but it seems to me that the younger Buss may have been driven by the need to exact some personal revenge. I mean what other reason can you give for passing on arguably the greatest coach in NBA history? The man who had already brought you five extra Larry O’Brien trophies? Jackson deserved to be treated with respect regardless of how they felt about it. He had earned that much and more. I was literally SMH.

And so it begins. Another drama filled year on the left coast. Complete with a new coach, players and an NBA legend who was so shocked by the hire that he could not even tweet for two days. Poor Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Get your popcorn ready. This true Hollywood story is only beginning…

The weekender…

On By kassienetteIn College football, Controversy, Football, Hockey, NASCAR, NFL, Panthers, Sports, WolfpackLeave a comment

New format to The Weekender. Here it goes…

Wolfpack, LSU, tataskinz, cowgirlies, g-men lost. Bears D scored again and again. Bama & Notre Dame came back and won. Oregon beat USC in a shootout. Knicks gave NYC something to smile about. Jimmie Johnson won to keep his lead in The Chase. Panthers, Steelers, Dirty Birds, Seahawks and the Broncos won. Bama and K-State are still 1-2 in the BCS. And still no hockey.

 

Until next time….TOODELLS.

A DIFFERENT kind of concern for Cam…

On By kassienetteIn Controversy, Football, NFL, Panthers3 Comments

Late Sunday night, I was heavily involved in my typical routine, glued to SportsCenter when a presser(press conference for those of you who are not hip to the media terms) came on. It was of Cam Newton after their loss to the Cowboys. I immediately stopped what I was doing because I wanted to see how Newton would handle this presser. When it was over I was, once again, left with a feeling of concern as I watched Newton sulk while he discussed what went wrong earlier on the field. You know that PR major in me was eyes wide open thinking, “if only I could get a hold of him…”

Cam Newton does not like to lose. I am not sure I have met a person who does. I know I do not like it! Ever seen me after I lose in Connect Four? Not always a pleasant sight. Who really enjoys losing? The winner? In a reverse psychology warped kind of way, I guess a winner could take pleasure in another’s loss but that person won so….you get my point. A true competitor wants to compete at the highest level when it is showtime. A true competitor wants to win every time, so it is not a concern of mine that Cam Newton is not happy about losing. What I am concerned about is the way he handles losing, publicly. When I watch Cam Newton’s pressers I see a young man consumed with the guilt and agony of losing. I see a young man who has rarely experienced losses on the football field struggling to grasp the reality of what many of his fellow colleagues have already experienced. I see a young man who wants to win, knows how to win but has not figured out how to make that happen on a consistent basis.

Apparently what I see and what other journalists see is totally different. For weeks, I have heard journalists, commentators and the Couch QB’s bash Cam Newton for what he has and has not done. I refuse to be on one of those people. Some journalists are quick to turn on you when things are not going well.  I think they have forgotten Peyton Manning went 3-13 and 6-10 in his first two seasons. I digress. Let me get back on track.   These same journalists and commentators who were singing soprano praises for Cam Newton last year are now saying that something is wrong with him and I even heard one say he is starting to believe he may never see the Cam Newton we saw last year, again. *raises hand* Wait, are we talking about last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year? Are we talking about the NFL record holder for most passing yards EVER by a rookie? Are we talking about the NFL single season record holder for most rushing TD’s EVER by a QB in a season? Are we talking about the former Auburn QB who led the Tigers to an undefeated season, a national championship and scooped up the Heisman Trophy along the way? Are we talking about the former Blinn College QB who led them to the NJCAA Championship in 2009? That guy? That is who we are talking about? You have got to be kidding me. The same abilities and talents that propelled him to do these things are still there. Did you see him shaking and baking the Cowboys on Sunday? Did you see him threading tight spirals to Brandon LaFell in the middle of the field? If you did then there is no way you would be questioning if he still has “it.” Somebody has been sniffing too many Sharpies.

His abilities should never be in question but I can admit when something is off. What we should be concerned with is his state of mind. From the outside looking in, one has to wonder what type of mental and emotional support the Panthers are providing for their franchise QB. Remember, this is a 23 year old man we are talking about. At 23 years old, a lot of men and women struggle as thy search for their identity and purpose in this world. Add an international spotlight to the mix and you have a recipe for a potential disaster, if the right pieces are not in place.

Maybe he has someone in his life who not only tells him it is ok to be disappointed in losing but sets an example for him to follow. Maybe he has someone to tell him that his body language and non-verbal cues during pressers have a major impact on how the public views him. Maybe he has someone to tell that he needs to be mindful of his brand at all times. It is hard to build your brand back up once the foundation has been shaken. Maybe he has someone to tell him that as QB, you are expected to eventually be the leader of the team, no matter how young you are. Maybe has has someone to tell him that “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Maybe has has someone to tell him these things. Maybe he does not. Hopefully he does and if he does not, I hope someone comes along quick who is truly concerned about him as a whole. Maybe I need to take a trip down 85…..

Until next time…TOODELLS.

Cancer does not care if he did it or not…

On By kassienetteIn Controversy, Cycling8 Comments

He said. She said. They said. The dog said. Enough already. Sheesh. I am so over this whole Lance Armstrong saga I could scream. Oh wait, I did that earlier.

Moving right along. Yesterday morning, I was stunned to hear that Armstrong was stepping down as chairman of the Lance Armstrong(Livestrong)foundation, the foundation he started in 1997 to help those affected by cancer. Even, the public relations major in me was surprised. 45 minutes later, I was stunned again when I learned that Nike had terminated its contract with Armstrong. Initially, I thought that meant they were cutting funding to Livestrong as well but I found out that is not the case. Nevertheless, I was stunned. Just a couple of months ago, after the Untied State Anti-Doping Agency(USADA) hit Armstrong with a lifetime ban and recommended that the be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, Nike firmly stood their ground and reaffirmed their commitment to Armstrong. And then the bomb dropped last Wednesday. That was the day the USADA released a 1,000 plus page document that details the elaborate doping scheme Armstrong was allegedly the ringleader of. Even my mouth dropped open on this one. I have been very staunch on my stance that Armstrong has never failed a test. However, in this era of steroids and performance enhancing drugs(PEDs), that is not very hard to do. Ever heard of “The Clear?” I do find it hard to believe that there are this many people who would conspire against Armstrong and tell blatant lies. At the same time, like I said, he has not failed a test. Who knows what to believe?!

What I do know for sure is that the same man who is being accused of this elaborate scheme is the same man who started a foundation that has raised over $500 million dollars for cancer research and awareness. Let me repeat that, FIVE HUNDRED MILLION. Look, if Armstrong did what they are accusing him of then he deserves to be banned. If there are consequences he has to suffer, then so be it. He does not get a pat on the back just because of his philanthropy. However,he does not deserve and most importantly, what those battling cancer do not deserve is to have Livestrong grouped into this mess. Regardless of how he established the platform to do it, the fact of the matter is that this man has literally revolutionized this world when it comes to cancer. Before 1997, cancer, in my opinion, was pretty taboo. I knew about it because my grandma had battled it but as a 16 year old, I did not really grasp the magnitude of this disease. Armstrong used the platform that he had at the time to shed light on this terrible disease and he did it in one of the simplest forms, he created a silicon gel bracelet. Who could have imagined that in 2004 when the Livestrong bracelet was introduced that it would literally become an international movement? I can distinctly recall going to numerous stores trying to find one only to be told over and over that they were sold out. The Livestrong craze was insane and eight years later, that tiny yellow bracelet is still an international phenomenon. This simple accessory has allowed people to connect in a way that does  not even require you having a conversation about why they are wearing it.

For some, it is hard to separate the allegations from the charity. Armstrong typically rode in cycling gear outfitted with the words Livestrong. His gear was yellow, the main color of his foundation. Cycling, Armstrong and Livestrong go hand in hand. Until the bottom dropped out. It was not until the allegations surfaced that I think people really begin to separate one from the other. Yes, Armstrong started Livestrong but this foundation is much bigger than him and that is what I think is getting lost in this saga. There is a reason he stepped down. He knew the foundation was bigger than him. He knows Livestrong is about the mother who was told she only has six months to live. He knows Livestrong is about the four year old who has been battling cancer since he was two. He knows Livestrong is about the 65 year old grandmother who has been told she has breast cancer. Those people are who the foundation is about. Armstrong was the driving force behind what is now a bigger movement. And no matter what he said, she said, they said or the dog said, I will continue to wear my LIVESTRONG bracelet proudly. After all, it is not about me either.

The Weekender

On By kassienetteIn 49ers, Baseball, Basketball, College football, Controversy, Football, Hockey, NASCAR, NFL, Panthers, Sports, WolfpackLeave a comment

Happy October!!! Special shoutout to my mother celebrating her birfday on the 25th. LOVE YOU MUMPHREY!! Now for what happened in the wonderful world of sports this weekend….

Europe won the Ryder Cup. Bah humbug.

Laaaaawd they have bounties in Pop Warner too? In my Megatron voice, “DISGUSTING!”

‘Bama wins. Remains number one in the polls.

The Cardinals are 4-0 and the Saints are 0-4. Just like last week, this is NOT a typo.

The Texas Rangers clinched a playoff spot(Yes!). The New York Yankees did too(Boo!).

Ed Hochuli was spotted on the field in Jacksonville. His biceps were in attendance too.

My 9ers grounded the Jets. Shutout style!

Brad Keselowski won at Dover. His win secured first place for him in The Chase.

The Eagles held on for a victory against the Giants. I think Tynes may be feeling really Billy Cundiff-ish right now.

Speaking of Billy, he saved his job yesterday by kicking the game winning field goal for the tataskiz yesterday. That profanity you hear is courtesy of Ravens fans.

The Pack had every opportunity to beat Miami on Saturday but just could not get it done. Crossing my fingers, toes and eyes in hopes of us bringing our A+++ game Saturday night against the seminoles.

Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera is still in position to do something that has not been done since 1967, capture the Triple Crown(Leader in HRs, RBI’s and batting average). He has three games left to make it happen.

The Patriots were down 21-7 early in the third quarter to the Bills before mounting a huge comeback to win 52-28. Impressive but it is the Bills.

The Orioles clinched their first playoff spot since ’97. Cheers to the birds.

Welp, KG obviously isn’t happy with Ray Allen’s decision to leave Boston for Miami. Ray Ray does not seem to be the least bit concerned.

The NHL & the NHLPA are still….on ice. Sigh.

Kansas restructured Bill Self’s contract to keep him on the sidelines through 2021-22. It pays to lookout for Self.

 

Until next time…TOODELLS.

The real “zebras” are back!!!

On By kassienetteIn 49ers, Controversy, NFL, Panthers, Sports3 Comments

Want to know how I  feel about the NFL referee lockout ENDING?? This sums it up perfectly….

Dear referee…

On By kassienetteIn Controversy, FootballLeave a comment

I knew there had to be reason I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for the right time to blog about the replacement refs….

Who knew an Touchception/Interdown would cause such a stir? In case you were one of those early birds who went to bed before the game went off, let me explain to you real quick what happened. Russell Wilson, QB for Seattle, heaves the ball into the endzone with eight seconds left. Packers safety M.D. Jennings and Seahawks WR Golden Tate both leaped for the ball. Jennings leaped higher, got both hands on the ball and maintained possession. Yet, it was called a touchdown. HOL LUP. What? Yes, Tate had a hand on the ball but it is obvious, through replays, that he did not have possession. Nevertheless, the Hawks get the win, the Packers got the sham and TJ Lang gained thousands of new followers on Twitter after his rant.

As if we did not already know it before, the replacement need to be replaced. For the sake of everyone including theirselves. Blown calls. Wrong calls. Unsure calls. Not enough calls. Non-fluid hand signals. Fantasy owners. Facebook operators.  This is getting out of hand and the NFL is slowly moving from a well-oiled machine to a circus. I would not be surprised if a clown car drove onto the field at MT Bank Stadium Thursday night.

For the first two weeks, I had been adamantly defending the replacement refs. I am somewhat of a softie and I felt bad for them. They did not ask to be in this position and I truly believe most of them are doing their best. Everyone makes mistakes, including the “regular” refs. Remember the Tuck Rule? However, you have to recognize when you are in over your head and these refs are drowning, FAST. I know the opportunity to ref an NFL game is hard to pass up. I get that but I realized I needed these refs to have a reality check beforehand. Why would you accept the challenge if you were not going to take the game serious? Why would you accept the challenge if you are not confident in your refereeing skills? Why would you accept the challenge knowing you were not knowledgeable of the rules ? There are a lot of rules! Most of the players do not even know all of them. Just ask Donovan McNabb.

While it seems to be easy for everyone to point the finger at the NFL because we all know the NFL is a multi-billion dollar organization, the “regular” refs are not exempt from blame. They want to keep their pension plans. The NFL wants to take them. The NFL wants to hire seven full time officials. The refs do not want that. The refs wants this. The NFL wants that. Yada yada yada. Blah blah blah. Make. It. Stop. Last night’s disaster is unacceptable. When you have current and former players, general managers and analysts all turning against the league, you have a major problem on your hands. The refs are just as important to the game as the players and it is time that they get the respect they deserve.

Honestly, I do not care why the lockout is happening. Let me rephrase, I do care, if people’s well being and livelihoods are being affected. What I do not care about is who is right or wrong. Who said this or who said that. It does not matter. This fiasco should have ended before the season even started. After week one I was certain that we would not see another replacement ref on the field. The players need officials on the field who know the rules. The coaches needs officials on the field who are knowledgeable of the game. The league needs officials on the field who uphold the values and standards that the NFL has preached since day one. And, I need my dose of Ed Hochuli mixed in with some Mike Carey. If the NFL and the NFLPA truly care about the integrity of this league then they will do whatever it takes to reach an agreement, SOON. Or the clown car may be too full to drive into the stadium Thursday night.

 

Until the next fiasco….TOODELLS.