Tuesday, November 29, 2011
JAX Gives Del Rio The AX - By Nick Hamilton
A season that has the Jacksonville Jaguars with a pathetic 3-8 record, team owner Wayne Weaver no longer retained the coaching services of head coach Jack Del Rio. Spending nine seasons with the team, the former USC Trojan defense great, never won any AFC South titles with a 1-2 playoff record, along with a 69-73 coaching record. Weaver gave Del Rio a $21 million, four year coaching extension back in 2007 after winning a huge playoff game. In 2008 the team struggled to make it a 5-11 record.
Since 2010 Del Rio has been on the hot seat, even thought Weaver revamped the roster and surprisingly kept Del Rio on board. Weaver decided not to fire Del Rio due to the uncertainty of the NFL lockout at the time. After struggling attendance, and a loss to AFC south division rival Houston Texans, the time had come for Del Rio to get the axe.
Del Rio had a reputation of throwing players and assistants under the bus constantly. He also made terrible quarterback decisions regarding Mark Brunell & Byron Leftwich back in 2003, and then with Byron Leftwich and David Garrard. Del Rio also was responsible for releasing QB David Garrard just five days before the season opener. which later put an enormous amount of pressure on rookie Blaine Gabbert who has struggled to keep up with the speed of the NFL.
The jaguar still owe Del Rio a reported $5.6 million.
Possibilities for Del Rio to turn up could be a defense coordinator for another NFL team like the Philadelphia Eagles, since the team has the defensive talent, and Del Rio is a defensive minded coach. Another place he could turn up could be at his old stomping grounds of USC on the defensive side of the ball, or he may sit out a year and become an analyst for a major sports network.
Wherever his future may take him, one things for sure, Jack Del Rio had nine seasons to get it right, hopefully if he's given a second head coaching opportunity, he'll remember he's no longer playing football, but coaching it.
Soon after the firing, Wayne Weaver also sold the team to 61 year old Illinois businessman Shahid Khan. Khan has promised for now to keep the team in Jacksonville. Since there is nothing written that Khan has to keep the team in Jacksonville, even their lease runs through the 2029 season. Let's be honest he'll keep the team there until Farmers Field is built in Los Angeles by 2015, then we'll see if Khan is dedicated to keeping Jaguars in Florida.
The sale of the Jaguars still subject to NFL approval, and if the owners vote to ratify the deal on December 14th, then by January 4th the sale will be official.
To the Jacksonville fans enjoy your team now, because they could be gone in the blink of an eye or by a moving truck in the middle of the night to Southern California.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
CANDACE PARKER: GOLDEN STATE BALLER - By Nick Hamilton
Candace Parker has so far had a career of many highs and a few lows especially in the 2011 season, yet she remains one of the most gifted, dynamic players we’ve seen in basketball. She’s been a collegian champion at the University of Tennessee, number one pick selected in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, gold medalist, and still striving for that first WNBA championship.
"I think she is already there; she's just had a few freak injuries that have temporarily halted her progress. But the great thing about Candace Parker is that she comes back a better player every time. Her work ethic is like nothing I've ever seen. She can change the game.” -Ben York (WNBA Columnist for SLAM Magazine)
This season was not the storybook ending she along with teammates, coaches, and fans, envisioned at the start of the season, however through injury Parker battled back to make a successful return for that playoff push. Unfortunately the Los Angeles Sparks were unsuccessful in going to the post season. I often wondered what made Candace such a special player, and how she owned the court from the moment she set foot on it, until she finishes the game.
“I would say the thing that makes Candace elite is the ability for her to play all five positions, you can't put her in a box. She can bring the ball up the court, shoot the 3, take it to the hole, or post up. - Justine Brown (Sports Journalist)
Parker is developing even more before our eyes as a complete game changer and leader on and off the court.
“What Parker can do on the court, at her size is just unbelievable. She's a nightmare for defenses because she can shoot from anywhere on the court. I think her leadership is going to develop even more and you will be able to see that in her play on the court." -Courtney Jones (Fox Sports West Reporter)
Not only did I have a an opportunity to have a great discussion with these outstanding journalist, Ben York, Courtney Jones, and Justine Brown, but also had the opportunity to sit down and speak with the Sparks superstar herself, Candace Parker at the Sparks training facility in sunny Southern California.
Nick Hamilton (NH): What are your thought on this 2011 season reflecting back?
Candace Parker (CP): I think we’ve started off well, we had our ups and downs on the road this season. Obviously not good enough to win and get in, we just have to continue to get better.
NH: I’ve noticed you have really good footwork on the court, where did that come from?
CP: Actually from playing soccer, that was my number one love. I didn’t want to play basketball at all to be honest. I picked up ball, coming from a big basketball family, my dad played at Iowa a 4 letter winner, my brother [Cavs Guard/Forward Anthony Parker] who still plays in the NBA. The fact that I was always around it , being dragged to the gym, early morning practices, it was embedded in me.
NH: I noticed you’ve been more instrumental this season, taking a bigger leadership role. With you being the leader of this team, how has that helped you overall?
CP: It’s something I’ve developed, you come in the league picking up things over the years from veteran players like Lisa [Leslie], Tina [Thompson]. So now I have that opportunity to share that wisdom with younger players like the vets did with me.
NH: Here’s a two-part question, if your team had won the WNBA title this season, do you think that would’ve silenced your critics & takes some pressure off of you? And if a team like the Minnesota Lynx with Maya Moore win the title, does that add more pressure to you, being that you were in the league longer?
CP: To answer your first question, when you win the first one it’s always special. I think alot of people can win one championship, but not everyone can win two or more. I remember something Michael Jordan said, basically come and holla at me when you win another one. I understand you have to win a couple of championships to begin a championship legacy which I aspire to do!
On your second question, the WNBA is tough. My rookie year could’ve gone either way. We could’ve been in the finals, we were one shot away from that. So if Minnesota wins it or any other team wins it, it doesn’t add any more pressure, the pressure is already there. Bringing a championship to this team and city is what it’s all about, raising that banner.
NH: I saw a quote by Sparks co-owner and your former teammate Lisa Leslie basically saying how she was glad to see the future of WNBA is in great hands which was a caption under a picture with her and Maya Moore, are you the face of the WNBA?
CP: It doesn’t matter, I’m trying to play the best basketball and let everyone else talk about that and sort it out. That’s the job of the media, fans, to discuss who’s the best and who’s not. Obviously I just got on the court and show my skills.
NH: Do you feel playing in the WNBA and playing overseas may be to strenuous on your bodies, perhaps causing injuries?
CP: Some people look at us playing overseas as our side job and its not! I love playing for our fans in the WNBA, I wouldn’t change it for the world. As an athlete you have to be wise, know your body, when to rest, etc. Some players have to make certain financial and career decisions, so I hope I don’t ever have to make that choice between playing in the WNBA and playing overseas. I hope and plan on my body holding up, staying strong, and not having any more injuries.
NH: I’ve heard you’ve spread your wings into acting, have you caught the acting bug?
CP: (laughing) I’m very excited about that, I was asked to appear on “Love That Girl” [TV One show executive produced by Martin Lawrence] I got into wardrobe, make up and learned my lines. It was extremely fun, I love that atmosphere. I don’t want to seem Hollywood, because everyone who moves out to L.A. says there some type of model or actor. No I’m not, I play basketball...well.
NH: Will we see you in other film and television roles possibly?
CP: If it’s the right role, right fit, yeah I would love to do it. I think I did pretty well on “Love That Girl”. It was my first time, pretty nervous, but had alot of fun. I have ultimate respect for actors, they are truly talented.
NH: That's great to hear. What are you plans now that the Sparks season has ended?
CP: I’m playing in Russia in mid-October. It’s my first time going over there this early, normally I go in January. It’s going to be great playing with my teammates and reconnecting over there.
NH: Last question, after many years of course, what type of legacy would you like to leave on the WNBA and the game of basketball itself?
CP: The type of legacy I’d like to leave would be a positive one, one that produced results, championships. I want to be known for my character, facing adversity and overcoming it. In 20 years or so, still seeing young girls and boys wearing my jersey, knowing my name and how I played on the court. Know my style, my signature move(s). Having people say hey that's my Candace Parker shot. And maybe have a dunk or two more in me.
NH: Thank you much, good luck and in Russia, and we look forward to seeing you next WNBA season
CP: You got it, thank you....
With the talent of Candace Parker, there is no question in my mind she and the Los Angeles Sparks will soon be champions. With a gleam in her eyes and a outstanding focus, she is that elite player with her sights set on nothing but championships and expanding her brand. The team management must surround her with sufficient talent and help, to stay competitive in this ever growing, tough WNBA league.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Huge Win For Dodgers And MVP Candidate Matt Kemp - By Nick Hamilton
LOS ANGELES - Coming off a heartfelt loss on Wednesday night, the Dodgers look to rebound, get back above .500 and begin a new winning streak. On the mound for the Dodgers would be solid pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who didn't start off solid as he gave up a first inning homer to Giants hitter Carlos Beltran giving the Giants the 1-0 lead.
The Dodgers would soon answer back, when Juan Rivera blasted a huge home run that scored Matt Kemp allowing the Dodgers to take the 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
Kuroda would begin to find his rhythm and had a strong outing in the second through the sixth inning. Dodgers made sure they gave him plenty of run support thanks to the terrible pitching of Giants starter Madison Bumgarner. In the third inning Juan Rivera singled to second as Dee Gordon scored to make it 3-1.
Fourth inning Dodgers continued to pour it on as Dee Gordon singled to right scoring Ron Barajas, to increase the Dodger lead 4-1.
As Matt Kemp reached the plate, the crowd chanted loudly M-V-P, a chant I've only heard in Los Angeles recently when I'm at building south of Dodger Stadium, off the 110 at Staples Center for one Kobe Bryant.
Kemp got on base on almost every at bat, as Barajas was walked that scored Kemp to make it a 5-1 Dodger lead.
Earlier before the game Kemp tweeted on his twitter page "Lets end the season with a bang!" and indeed he did.
After Kuroda gave a home run to Giants slugger Pablo Sandoval, Kemp decided he had enough and in the eight inning blasted a huge two run homer off Barry Zito to keep the Dodger lead solid and break any hopes of the Giants momentum.
As his mother was in attendance, she watched her son Matt Kemp have a sensational night, going 4-5, a career high three doubles and that big two run homer. Kemp is definitely on pace for that MVP award, and has a solid argument against the Brewers' Ryan Braun who is hitting .330 just points ahead of Kemp who is currently hitting .326.
Even as Kuroda exited in the eight inning, the crowd chanted MVP! in awe of Kemp’s stellar offensive performance. Kemp is pace for the triple crown, he seems to be taking it all in stride and embracing it instead of dodging it.
A great way to end their home stand as the Dodgers took the victory over the Giants 8-2. Former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda who happened to be honoree coach that night on his 84th birthday watched the offensive explosion of Kemp, said "He was great, it was fun to watch tonight."
Kemp who was somewhat disappointed that the Dodgers weren't making the playoffs this year spoke about that and his performance "It's sad we're not making the playoffs, but we've been playing great the last two months. We're going to come back even harder next year. I just really felt it tonight."
Kuroda (37) who becomes a free agent at the end of this season, who possibly pitched his finally game at Dodger Stadium talked about his future "At this moment I really don't know and that really hasn't entered my mind yet". Kuroda who had a really good outing allowed two runs and five hits in 7 2/3 innings, extending his career high in wins.
Giants starter Bumgarner gave up four runs and nine hits, struck out one and walked none to snap his five-game winning streak, which he was yanked in the fourth inning by manager Bruce Bochy.
The next six Dodger game are on the road against their NL West opponents the San Diego Padres and NL West champion Arizona Diamondbacks.
Kemp is definitely on pace for not only MVP honors, but capturing that triple crown, something that hasn't been done since 1967 when Boston's Carl Yastrzemski accomplished that milestone.
Dodgers Get Win As Kershaw Makes History - By Nick Hamilton
September 25, 2011, 8:28amLOS ANGELES - Another great pitchers battle between Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw and San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum in front of an electric crowd at Dodger Stadium. For Kershaw to get his 20th win would be a milestone, since no Dodger has reached that mark since Ramon Martinez back in 1990 who went 20-6.
Lincecum pitched pretty well in the first inning before giving up hits to MVP candidate Matt Kemp and Juan Rivera. Next up was James Loney with two outs, hit a huge single to center that scored Kemp and moved Rivera to second base to give the Dodgers the 1-0 lead. Lincecum would settle down as he got out of the inning comfortably.
The second inning would prove to be no different as Lincecum gave up a huge homer to Dodgers slugger Jerry Sands to make it a 2-0 lead.
Kershaw was brilliant, very posed and focused as he pitched for 7 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and striking out six batters. The Giants could not get going offensively until the eight inning when Kershaw who seemed to be fatigued, gave up a home run to Giants hitter Chris Steward cutting the lead in half 2-1. After walking the next two Giants batters he faced, Dodgers manger Don Mattingly approached the mound and relieved Kershaw of his duties for the night. As Kershaw began walking towards the dugout, he was received by a much deserved standing ovation by the Dodger fans.
Relieving Kershaw was Dodger rookie strike out artist Kenley Jansen who struck out pinch hitter Pablo Sandoval and slugger Carlos Beltran on a third strike slider to end the inning.
Dodgers Javy Guerra pitched in the ninth inning to collect his 19th save on the year as the Dodgers prevailed once again over the rival Giants 2-1.
As Guerra exited the mound, Kershaw with a huge smile on his face gave Guerra a big hug as he celebrated his 20th victory on the season. Although Diamondbacks pitcher Ian Kennedy also has 20 wins, Kershaw made a strong case to be the front runner for the Cy Young Award.
MVP candidate Matt Kemp went 2 for 2 on the night with two strikeout, which brings his hitting total to 182 hits on the year.
After the game Kershaw talked about his historic night and the Cy Young Award "They've had some awesome pitchers come through here. I'm not taking it lightly, I'm not discrediting the accomplishment, I haven't really though about it... But if I were to receive that award, it wouldn't go lightly.
Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp also spoke about Kershaw's performance "I was thinking like if this boy doesn't get the Cy Young award, something's definitely wrong. I think there's no question about it."
On the other side of the ball, Giants ace Tim Lincecum (13-13) who pitched seven innings, gave up two runs, eight hits, struck out five and walked three discussed Kershaw huge achievement "He's leading in a lot of categories and putting up a 20-win season is huge, especially with the team they've got. He's done a magnificent job this year. If I had a vote, I'd vote for him." A thought that was also echoed by Giants manager Bruce Bochy.
Kershaw has one more start which will be Sunday at Petco Park in San Diego against the Padres.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
MARK CUBAN THE RIGHT OWNER TO END THE DODGER BLUES?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a rich history of winning, pride, fan support, and prestige over the years. They've always had great ownership since coming to Los Angeles back in 1958. However that great ownership of Peter O'Malley and later son Walter O'Malley ended in 1998 when the Dodgers were sold to Rupert Murdock and NewsCorp for a reported $350 million dollars. The largest sale of a franchise at that time in baseball. That was the beginning of the end, and Dodger blue was never the same again.
After that terrible time of ownership, Dodger fans suffered yet another blow with the selling of the team from NewsCorp to Frank & Jamie McCourt. Since that time, ownership wasn't any better as we later learned how the McCourt's mismanaged funds, failed to sign top notch free agents, their bitter divorce, and a terrible beating incident on opening day involving Giants fan Brian Stow. It only got worse as fans feared for their safety at Dodger Stadium, and the security issues continued to mound. Finally Commissioner Bud Selig stepped in as Major League Baseball (MLB) took over the team temporarily, and is now looking for new ownership. Selig was quoted as saying that the new owner (once the Dodgers are put up for sale) will be a "safe" choice.
In many baseball owners and executives eyes, Mark Cuban is not listed as a safe choice. However, Cuban is right for baseball, and especially for the Dodgers.
With fan attendance its lowest in many years, the energy, enthusiasm, vision, and fan appreciation Cuban has, the team needs an owner like him who can restore the greatness that was once associated with the Dodgers. Bringing them back to their winning ways on and off the field, along with boosting fan attendance.
If you look at how he completely turned around the Dallas Mavericks franchise that he purchased back in 2002, Cuban has made that team competitive, increased fan support, generated more revenue, and are now world champions. I'm not saying it would take nine years for the Dodgers to be champions, however I'd give Cuban a few seasons or less to turn the franchise around.
MLB is at its best when teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers are deep in the playoff hunt. Cuban gives the best chance for the Dodgers to do just that, along with giving the fans and consumers something to be proud of and support. MLB and Bud Selig need to really evaluate this move and allow Cuban the opportunity to own a team such as the Dodgers. Its apparent, he's learn alot from the time he tried to purchase the Cubs, and Rangers until now. I think he understands the role and responsibility of owning a major league team.
At the end of it all, its about revenue, and that's what Cuban will generate with the Dodgers. He wont be spending money frivolously, yet spend it effectively to get the right players on the field and contend for a world series title.
Fact is the Dodgers haven't seen a championship since 1988, so Bud Selig right the wrong that you've committed and give baseball fans and most importantly Dodger fans something they've needed for years. A real owner who is sharp and just as passionate about winning as they are. Cleaning up the mess that you Commissioner have allowed Frank McCourt to make. Cuban brings the right people in for baseball such as a general manager, president, vice president, etc. to aid him in running the team, the Dodgers should run smoothly.
This is Los Angeles, the second largest market in the nation, this is not Milwaukee (a small market), so do not treat the team as such by bringing in some cheap owner that you can control. Do us all a favor Commissioner Selig make the right choice and allow to Cuban to purchase the team. It'll be great for the city of Los Angeles, businesses, the fans, and most importantly baseball as a whole.