Olympic Experts

Well it seems as if it is time once again to watch countries from around the world compete in the Olympic games. I believe that the Olympics are a great event and help to bring the world closer together. Athletes are able to put their differences aside for a couple weeks and compete for the pure love of the sports in which they compete.

Back home in America, millions will watch with the same enthusiasm as they did when Tiger Woods limped up the 18th of Torry Pines in the US open earlier this year. And after the events are over, they will cease to watch the sport entirely.

While I understand that it may be difficult to find a good 3m diving competition or Judo match throughout the year, I am annoyed at how people immediately become experts on the sport during the Olympics. They try to explain rules to others, when they only understand a fraction of them their selves. I must admit however, that I am one of these people. I am a golfer myself, so I do know most of the rules and watch more than one tournament a year. However, with events such as the Olympics, Worlds Cup, and X-Games, I immediately turn into the expert. I find the main sport to be curling in the winter Olympics. I can’t stop the transformation, even though I know that it is happening. I always say that I will continue to watch the sport even after the event is over, but this never happens.

While I may not how I or others act during these sporting events, I do believe that there are many positive outcomes. Mainly, we are opened up to many sports that we would not frequently watch. This allows us to view other cultures and enjoy the same sport that people halfway around the world enjoy all year long.

So in the end i must tip my hat and give kudos to those pseudo Handball or Floor Exercise experts. Because although you may not know it, you are helping to bring human kind one step closer, even if it is only for two weeks.

Greene’s Dreams Don’te Come True

After the second loss of the year to UMass in the Carrier Dome, I was convinced that Donte Greene hadn’t had the season necessary to send him to the draft. Me and my friends had no clue that this would in fact be the last time we saw him playing. About a week later, at the school sponsored party called “Mayfest”, I saw Greene and stopped to talk to him. He was good friends with my roommate, so he gave us the inside scoop that he was not going to come back the following season. We said our goodbyes and I have not seen or heard his name much since that time.

As the draft approached, I began to take an interest in where he would be going. I got excited as I heard he would be a mid first-round pick. This is also where the 76ers were positioned. I began to have thoughts of seeing Greene once again, however this time in a different uniform.

Like all other Syracuse faithfuls, this yesterday was not as great as I had hoped. As the mid-round picks came and went, Greene’s name was not called.

It was not until the 28th overall pick that Memphis finally decided to pull the trigger on Greene. I was extremely disappointed to see this happen. Both for me and him. For me, because Syracuse will not be as good as they could have been next season. For him, because he will not receive the contract that was used to lure him away from college life.

One positive is that after the blockbuster trade between Memphis and Minnesota, Greene will have the chance to play with OJ Mayo. I believe that this could be a fierce twosome in years to come. Though their supporting cast is not very good, these two young and talented players could be used to build a very dominant team.

It will be interesting to see just how these two are used and whether or not they will make a large impact in the NBA. The only thing that worries me is the Syracuse team of next year. Will Jonny Flynn be able to rise to the role of team leader? Will Rautins and Devendorf be healthy and productive? Only time will tell how everything plays out.

By the way, I didn’t spell the title wrong, its spelled like his first name. Like the “Don’te Leave” shirts that were made.

Curt Schilling… A Sure Hall of Famer

As a avid Phillies fan, my views may be skewed, however I believe that Curt Schilling is a Hall of Famer, even if he did not return from surgery next season.

As a kid, I grew up frequently attending Phillies games and sitting right behind home plate. Though I was young, I do remember Curt Schilling very clearly. Even as a kid, I knew there was something special about him and more than a decade later, my childhood beliefs have been confirmed. Curt Schilling has gone on from his early to days as a Philly, to become an elite pitcher of his time.

Throughout his career, Schilling has won three World Series, has been selected to the all star team six times, led the league in wins twice, and has had over 3000 strikeouts. Additionally, there are many memorable moments, such as the bloody sock game, in which Schilling has demonstrated his sheer grit and determination. While he does not poses the best resume of all time, I believe that it is more than sufficient enough to get him into the hall of fame.

On today’s PTI, I heard that Curt himself does not believe that he is a hall of fame player. Curt Schilling has had a very strong career and has entertained fans across the country. He deserves the honor to be remember for all that he has done for the sport. While he is probably not a contender on his first ballot, I believe that his numbers, tenacious attitude, and love for the game are enough to get him into the hall of fame very soon.

Danica Patrick…Big Whoop!

So Danica Patrick won her first Indy Series race yesterday and all I have to say i, WHO THE FUCK CARES! I believe this was almost her 50th race of her career. Until now she has not been able to even consistently finish in the top ten.

Why do we care if she is a woman? Its not like she is at a disadvantage due to her sex. I mean come on, its car racing. O sure people say that her light weight keeps her from reaching top speeds. I say thats bullshit!

Anyways, Danica was so overcome with emotion after the race that she broke down into tears. That is ridiculous! When was the last time you saw a real athlete cry after winning something (off course besides Brett Favre winning one day after his father passed). But my god, real athletes do not get emotional over their first win.

Danica has got to crack open a beer and enjoy the win with friends and family, but if I see her cry again, I will be seriously pissed off!

Syracuse Bubble Burst

Well after today’s last minute lost to Pittsburgh, it seems as if Syracuse has no more hopes of receiving an at large bid. Up until three minutes  to go in the second half, ‘cuse was playing a near flawless game. The loud house was rocking. However, when Paul Harris lost the ball with only nine seconds left, an eerie silence fell over all. It seems as if the bubble has been popped on Syracuse’s hopes for post-season play (thats not NIT). The final two games should not make too much of a difference and a first round game in the Big East tourney against Pitt, Marquette, or West Virginia, does not look too hopeful. Maybe next year will hold a long awaited NCAA birth for cuse. The unlikely return of Donte Greene and definite return of Eric Devendorf and Andie Rautins will be a huge boast too a very talented team.