For the Desks of ESPN Executives

Dear ESPN,

I have a bone to pick with you. I’ve felt this way for sometime and now that I have an outlet to voice my opinion, it’s time for me to be heard.

There is such thing as a sports show and not a sports show. For those who don’t know, ESPN (Entertainment & Sports Programming Network) is a franchise that has vastly expanded since its start in 1979. Not only is there an ESPN, but an ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN U, ESPN3, ESPN News and ESPN Classic. The ABC/Disney-owned network has routinely showed baseball, football, hockey, basketball and soccer games as well as covering a wide range of other sporting events. My personal favorite show, which is regularly left on my television screen, SportsCenter, seems to be every man’s “go-to” show. But, you (ESPN) can only go too far. POKER IS NOT A SPORT!

Never again, do I want to turn the channel to ESPN, expecting to see a baseball game and see The World Series of Poker. How many times have you sat down and turned on the T.V. thinking, “Man I can’t wait to see what amazing play guy on poker is about to make!?” It’s not a sport; it’s not remotely entertaining and has no business being shown on ESPN. And while I’m at it, here’s a list I can do without watching on ESPN:

-The World Series of Poker- reasons stated above

-Cheerleading- I’m sorry, just belongs somewhere else

-The Little League World Series- I understand American teams playing on ESPN, but why do we need to watch a game between Japan and Korea?

-Fishing and Hunting- leave it to FOX Sports and Versus

-Skip Bayless- I don’t think anyone likes him.

-An hour of NFL, MLB, NBA in the offseason- Nothing that important is happening in the offseason, so an hour dedicated to it, isn’t necessary.

-Hot Dog Eating Contest- keep it. I actually enjoy that.

There are just some things that don’t belong on ESPN, and I believe I needed to bring this to your attention. Let’s stick to what you’re best at; bringing me the latest in the sports world and showing me the best highlights from sporting events. Let Stuart Scott give me crazy sayings and keep the arguments between Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser coming. But, drop the non-related sports programs. Though, I’d still much rather watch that than Teen Mom or Basketball Wives.

Yours truly,

The good people at Up and Adam

Running For the Sake of Running

This past Saturday I was talked into running The Scorcher Four. The Scorcher Four is four mile race in St. Louis, hosted by the good people at Missouri Running. Being an avid hater of running, conditioning or anything resembling a jog for the sake of running, I reluctantly signed up and began my training.

I have had my fair share of conditioning and running with my various basketball teams and soccer teams, but as I’m growing older, I was excited to see how I would do in this run. I try to keep my workout routine to 4-5 times a week this summer, and increased my cardio to prepare for the race. After a month or so of training with my running partners, the big day quickly approached.

Unsure of how a race worked and having numerous butterflies in my stomach, the race began and hundreds began their trek of four miles. There were all kinds of different runners. Many guys intensely sporting the thigh high shorts who took the race extremely serious. Other runners could have considered the race as a “cool down,” from their previous morning run. Few runners were like our crew, running for the fun of it.

Mile 1:

We began the run throughout the neighborhoods of University City even passing by the high school. I began passing the intense runners all the time thinking, “Four miles? This will be a breeze, I have to be at least halfway done with the race by now.” And as I was dead tired climbing the hill on Delmar, I see a sign that read Mile 2!

Mile 2:

Time to slow my roll. I lost pace and even began thinking about walking for a bit. Determined to keep a jogging pace I put my head down and kept going. As the volunteers were holding waters for the runners, I did the classic move of snagging a cup and completely missing my mouth, spilling water all over my face.

Mile 3:

Finally, to see a sign saying that I had advanced another mile was a relief to say the least. Trying to focus on my breathing, I noticed few runners slowly starting to pass. That was okay with me. My goal was to keep running the whole time and see how I would end up.

Mile 4:

Really tired, I was searching for the street I knew the race would end on. As I turned onto the road, I kept pushing myself. Hearing someone approaching me, I turned and saw a mother pushing her child in a walker. You’ve got to be kidding me!? As I saw that, I looked up and saw the FINISH sign. There was no way that this mom was going to beat me pushing a kid! I began a full out sprint for the finish. Bad idea. I started the sprint way too early, and twenty feet before the finish line I felt something coming up, and thought I was going to get sick. I mustered up the strength to calm it down and finish the run at 34:12.

I was proud of myself and my team for running the race and finishing the way we did. I have no idea how these runners enjoy running these races. I thought about those who run marathons and it quickly gave me a headache.

Headaches from College Sports, Not College Exams

The biggest trend in the sports world right now is college athletes getting paid from boosters, agents, special treatment from coaches, etc. Whether it’s Jim Tressel and Terrelle Pryor or the Miami Hurricanes football teams, everyone is freaking out about college athletes committing the biggest sin of all; receiving illegal benefits.

Pryor and the Ohio State debacle really grinds my gears. Pryor, doing one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard, “allegedly,” traded his Bowl Rings, jerseys and other items for a tattoo. Yes, that’s right; he needed a tattoo so bad that he was willing to risk everything he had ever worked for athletically, for a tattoo. Not only did he get into trouble, but he screwed over Ohio State’s football program, not to mention forcing legendary coach Jim Tressel to cover for him leading to his dismissal from the team. Today, the NFL declared Pryor eligible for the NFL Supplemental Draft on Monday. What kind of punishment is that? Way to set an example. Pryor initially was going to stay at Ohio State for his senior season, until these rumors of him doing illegal activities arose. So, he was late declaring for the original draft. His only “punishment” is that when Pryor gets drafted he can’t practice or play until Week 6. What kind of message is that?

Miami University has an interesting situation arising in the last week. Allegations of a Miami booster, Nevin Shapiro, giving “gifts” to Miami football players from years 2002-2010 are being investigated heavily by the NCAA. These gifts were not just the average money payments but, prostitutes were bought for players, cars, houses, jewelry, even an abortion was paid for by Shapiro for a player, allegedly. Now, the NCAA declares they are going to set precedence with Miami University if these allegations are true. The “Death Penalty,” is rumored to be the punishment for the school, (taking away Miami’s Division I title). But, there is a lot to factor into this. Shapiro is singing like a bird with these allegations due to the fact his sitting behind bars serving a twenty-year jail sentence for his own illegal actions. Some say the creditability of Shapiro can really be questioned.

Coming from a college-aged athlete, I have my own views on these situations. First, let me say that if you are privileged enough to get a full athletic scholarship to a major school, you better count your blessings. The fact that you don’t have to pay $80,000+ for an education should be treasured and not taken advantage of. In saying that, many people don’t know that a scholarship athlete is a full-time job. Outside of schooling, athletes’ days are full of training, practicing, working out and playing.

I would even address the stupidity of Pryor getting a tattoo, but the situation with Miami is definitely nothing new to college. I guarantee that there is way more situations like this happening at college nationwide, but they are able to keep it “hush-hush.” As a young, poor, college kid, if someone offers you a brand new car, or money, or jewelry for free, what are you going to do? Would it really be that easy to just say, “Oh, no thanks, I don’t need the new Mercedes.” Especially, when you see the amount of money you generate for the schools’ athletic program every Saturday when you play a football game? Wouldn’t you want a piece of the pie? It’s illegal though, that’s the bottom line.

Adults and coaches should know better than to tempt these players, but it’s a sticky situation to get into. The NCAA is really getting themselves into a pickle and some action must be taken in the future. I’m just glad I’m not the one who has to make that tough decision.

Big 12? Big 8 Again?

The Big 12 is a losing business right now. Once a powerhouse conference with Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and many other leading universities, the Big 12 was a force to be reckoned with in a wide range of sports. In recent years, the Big 12 has begun deteriorating and major universities have been looking for other conferences to call home.

It started with the talk that the University of Colorado and the University of Nebraska were leaving the conference. Colorado joined up with the Pac-10 last season and Nebraska joined the Big Ten. There were also rumors that Texas, Missouri and Texas A&M were soon to follow. The Big 12 pulled it together and were able to keep the conference intact for a season. But, the problem is arising once again.

Texas A&M is now in negotiations with the SEC about leaving the BIG 12 this season. And the rumors come back in full force. Turn on ESPN for a second and watch the Bottom-line fly with Big 12 rumors. Being from Missouri, I have much interest in these rumors. Is the University of Missouri going to finally leave the Big 12? Who knows?

To a college sports fanatic, I am trying to pay close attention to these rumors (even if it’s hard to keep up). The Big 12, once one of the strongest conferences in sports, is really losing it. Why? Could it be the money? The exposure the universities aren’t getting? What?

It’s been rumored that Missouri is going to follow Texas A&M to the SEC. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I enjoy watching Texas and Oklahoma (two of the top sports universities) compete with Missouri on the football field and basketball court. But, how cool would it be to watch Missouri play Florida, Auburn, LSU and these SEC schools play each other? So, either the Big 12 Conference pulls there act together, get their money right and get these schools maximum exposure, or they let these schools go and find what they need.

Caddy Shackin’

Let’s get the facts straight first:

Towards the beginning of the year, Tiger Woods fired the most famous caddy to carry a golf bag since Danny Noonan (Caddyshack), Steve Williams. Steve was considered by many as Tiger’s wingman, through thick and thin, Steve had always had Tiger’s back, and Tiger fired him. So, Steve went on and was hired by the up and coming, Adam Scott. This past weekend, (Tiger’s first tournament back since recovering from a knee problem), Adam Scott went on to win the Bridgestone Classic with Steve Williams carrying his clubs. After the tournament, in the heat of the moment, reporters jammed microphones and cameras in Steve’s face begging him for a controversial quote. Steve, never backing down from a fight, gave a couple jabs at Tiger saying this was the biggest win for him as a caddy in his life.

Mixed opinions:

As if there hasn’t been enough unnecessary drama in the world of golf already, but I can’t help but to have mixed emotions about this whole deal. Did I start watching golf every weekend because of Tiger Woods? Yes. I was, just like everyone else, a huge Tiger fan. Then the whole Thanksgiving fiasco happened and everyone turned on Tiger, but not his caddy, Steve Williams. Steve was almost like Tiger’s bodyguard on and off the course. They were best friends, they’re Bromance was strong. Steve helped Tiger get through the rough times and got him back on the course.

As we all know, Tiger hasn’t been the same Tiger since the incident. He’s tried a new swing coach, therapy, rehab, just about anything and everything to get his golf game back. At the beginning of the year, Tiger really seemed desperate and fired his true, blue friend and caddy, Steve. I was so disappointed in Tiger when he did that. Steve could’ve abandoned Tiger like everyone else did, when he was going through a rough time, but he stuck with him, and this is how Tiger returned the favor. A business move? Fine. But, in reality not a good look for Tiger.

Steve Williams moved on to the next one and was quickly picked up by Adam Scott. They’re second tournament together Adam won. Interesting turn of events, considering it was Tiger’s first tournament back in months. So, right after the victory, Steve went to the media and sounded off. He released all the frustration he had built up for Tiger and targeted him through words. He made an outrageous statement in saying that the win with Adam Scott was the biggest and best win he had ever had in caddying. Really?? Every golf fan rolled their eyes as they heard him say that. Oh, you mean the Bridgestone Classic was bigger than winning the Master’s with Tiger? Or the PGA Championship? Okay Stevie.

Bold statement by Steve. It seemed so immature to everyone. But, that’s who Steve is; he’s such a stubborn and rough-edged man. Steve and Tiger had the same attitude in that they wouldn’t back down from anyone and were strong in their beliefs. The old Tiger, (pre-Thanksgiving 2010), would’ve came right back swinging, (no pun intended). But, I’m sure Tiger’s publicist has trained Tiger not to. Steve went on to later apologize and said that the statements were all in frustration about being fired. Who would’ve thought there would be this much drama going on in the PGA? Seems like a bad MTV reality show doesn’t it?

They Just Wanna Play

Here we go again with the lockouts. Just as the NFL finishes up their lockout, the NBA enters into one. You’ll never hear a fan say, “Man, I’m sure glad there’s a lockout right now.” Let’s face it, lockouts are the worst. The athletes in NFL didn’t have too many other options, but the NBA players sure are exercising theirs.

A few years leading up to this point, NBA players were getting attention from the European leagues. Many ask: Why would you want to go play basketball overseas? Well, there are several reasons. First and most importantly: money. European teams were willing to dish out millions of dollars, because there is no limit to how much they can spend on a player. Not only that, but the government isn’t going to take away half of your money with taxes. In Europe, there are no taxes, so the money they would earn is the money they keep. Finally, if you are an average player in the NBA and go over to Europe to play, you instantly become an All-Star over there; a fan favorite.

Prime example would be Josh Childress. Childress was an average undrafted player in the NBA, but when he decided to leave, he just about doubled his net income while playing with a team from Greece. This caught much attention in the United States. When LeBron James’ contract was up in Cleveland and he was weighing his options on where to play, rumor was he was being offered $50 million a year to play in Spain.

Now, that the NBA has a lockout players want to continue to play ball. I mean, face it, Kobe Bryant isn’t getting any younger; his time of playing is expiring. Maybe that’s why he was quoted the other day as saying it didn’t matter where he plays, whoever pays, he’ll play.

All-Star point guard Deron Williams has already made the move to Turkey. He’s getting paid, staying in game-shape and running a team while the lawyers and players union try to figure out the business side of the NBA. In fact, the union is encouraging players to go out there and try and play for whatever team necessary. Why not? Go travel for a couple months; put some untaxed money in your pockets meanwhile keeping your game tight for the potential upcoming season.

Coming from a basketball fanatic who has no hometown NBA team, one of two things need to happen. Either David Stern and the players union get something worked out as soon as possible, or ESPN starts televising games overseas so we can watch them at home on the couch.

It’s Christmas and Everyone is Getting Gifts but Us

The lockout is over! It’s like a dam burst and the flood gates opened wide. Trades have been crazier than ever, free agents are getting signed and teams are getting a whole new look. Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth on the Patriots, (how does that happen)? Reggie Bush on the Dolphins? And the recently free convict Plaxico Burress signed on the Jets? It’s like the NFL was put into a snow globe, shaken for a couple months and then let out. Side note: shout out to Webster Groves grad, Adrian Clayborn (Tampa Bay Bucs) and Kirkwood grad Mike McNeill (Indianapolis Colts) for getting to the league. It’s fresh, new and exciting. All these teams are benefiting off the new NFL, but where do the Rams lie?

If you’re like me, I’m waiting for the Rams big comeback. But, they really aren’t making a strong case for themselves. In the 2010 draft the Rams picked Sam Bradford, which was finally a step in the right direction. Offense was finally in the heads of the Ram’s organization. I’m sick of getting the mediocre receivers that we keep adding to the team. Steven Jackson was a nice surprise but he can only do so much. Call me greedy, but I’m just used to “The Greatest Show on Earth.” I love cheering for a team that has a fast and fun offense. I mean the last couple of years the Rams offense consist of our kicker putting three points on the board at a time. Touchdowns came far and few between. So, what do the Rams do? Draft Bradford. Get the city interested in the team again. But, Sam the Ram is going to need some weapons.

When the lockout was finally over and the mayhem started, I was so excited for the St. Louis Rams to get in the mix and throw their names in the hat for Reggie Bush, Randy Moss, somebody to put people in the seats. A week goes by, nothing, while other teams are signing up the big timers and making big moves. It’s frustrating to be in St. Louis and not see the Rams make a move. It’s bad enough, us Rams fans, have to watch the football games at the overly-crowded, dark and gloomy Edward Jones Dome, but to watch a slow moving offense in that atmosphere is nothing I really want to be apart of. The least we could do is act like we are trying to get a better offense. Will the Rams win the Super Bowl? Most likely not this year, but let’s start building a team around our golden boy, Bradford. The other teams are making blockbuster moves; what are we doing? C’mon Rams!

It’s Christmas and Everyone is Getting Gifts but Us