May 11th, 2012
 Going into the NBA playoffs, the Miami Heat were heavily favored to win their series against the New York Knicks, who barely made the playoffs as it was and would not be brining Linsanity with them. And while it still may not be a surprise that Miami took it over the Knicks last night in a 106-94 victory, the Heat know that “it’ll only get tougher from here,” as said by Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
The Heat brought everything they had to their home court last night and The Big Three showed up in a big way. Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade both put up 19 points while LeBron James scored 29 points of his own, along with getting eight rebounds and seven assists. On Sunday they’ll host Indiana as the Eastern conference semifinals begin.
Eyes weren’t on the Heat at all times though. During the third quarter Carmelo Anthony made a huge shot with the spinning flair that brought the game closer, at 81 — 67, but still in favor of the Heat. “They’re a tough defensive team,” Carmelo said after the game. “They stick to what their schemes are.”
Inarguably the Heat are happy that they’re moving onto the second round, but the celebration will be short-lived. “We will savor this win tonight,” said LeBron James. “And then we get to work tomorrow and get ready for Indiana.”
Going by stats and favorites, there’s no doubt that they will be.
May 1st, 2012
 The WWE offered plenty of intense competition all night for Extreme Rules, including the likes of CM Punk vs. Jericho and Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan. However, the match everyone was talking about was John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar. Lesnar just recently returned to the company and has been itching to make a name for himself against the top “face” in the company.
The action was extreme, all right, as Cena was bloodied up within the first minute of the contest. Lesnar also gave the people exactly what they wanted to see–he used a variety of MMA-style moves, all of the tactics he learned during his UFC stint. Lesnar actually dominated most of the match, and had Cena reeling. However, the momentum changed after Cena used a chain, as well as one of his finishing moves on the steel steps. Cena eventually won the match, which was a bit of redemption for Cena, who just jobbed to The Rock at the company’s WrestleMania event.
While some fans were surprised, or even irate, (Cena has been the company’s most loved and yet despised “face” star ever since the days of Hulk Hogan) this was most likely the first of many battles to come. Those who were expecting a monstrous win for Lesnar over Cena were obviously not seeing the bigger picture. Lesnar needs to climb the ladder, and re-learn the WWE’s style–which although physical, is not as dangerous as a typical UFC competition.
The most interesting tidbit to come out of Extreme Rules was the fact that Cena was legitimately injured in his left arm by Lesnar. This was no accident, as it was clear that Lesnar was going after Cena’s arm using a Kimura Lock throughout the bout–and that was in addition to the elbow Cena took, which split his head open. The end of the bout certainly favored Lesnar, who walked away unscathed.
What’s in the future for Cena and Lesnar? A rematch? Or was this contest a one of a kind match? After all, rumor has it Bobby Lashley may be returning to the WWE as well. The year 2012 will be remembered as the return of the WWE Titans!
April 19th, 2012
 That’s what most of the media is saying, anyway; and yes, the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs have already seen their fair share of hard hits, concussions, and at one point, even a stretcher that carried Marian Hossa off the ice — and we’re not yet even out of Round One. But, are this year’s playoffs really any rougher or tougher than they have been in the years past?
Not if you take into account years past. Don Cherry, the face of hockey and who many consider to be the final word, doesn’t think so. “It’s been going on forever. This stuff has been going on in the playoffs for a long time.” And he might not be wrong. When you consider the famous Scott Stevens hit on Eric Lindros in 2000 that left Lindros with a concussion; and then the other hit that Stevens’ is famous for when he ran into Paul Kariya justu three years later in 2003, which also gave Kariya a severe concussion. And who can forget the famous illegal hit and elbow Doug Gilmour took from Marty McSorley, or the countless other fights, scraps, and bad hits that have been dealt throughout the course of the Stanley Cup playoffs? There are definitely too many count, and Cherry’s view may be the right one.
But while the playoffs may not be all that tougher than years past, one also can’t deny that they seem much tougher — and for this, there could be several reasons. All the strict rule changes have definitely played a part, with the NHL turning a very serious eye to any unauthorized hits and any kind of fighting at all. As hits to the head are taken much more seriously, more players are given more penalties, and more players are taken to the changing room for treatment — something that never would have happened twenty years ago when concussions weren’t really considered all that serious. We know better now, and the NHL is disciplining harsher now. And the very sight of all those players headed towards the penalty box may just put it into our minds that the 2012 playoffs are much more violent than in years past.
Not everyone in the NHL is taking every head shot or fight all that seriously though, and that’s many of the refs that are on the ice during game time. Refs have been judged much harsher from fans, players, and coaches this year for their lack of calls and oblivious eye to some pretty obvious illegal behavior. As fewer calls are made on the ice, players begin to think that they can start to get away with it. That, if for no other reason, would be the sole reason why these playoffs are tougher than any others.
Because guys will always shove their weight around while fighting for a Cup, but there should always be someone there to keep them in line at the same time. And that’s the sole thing that’s been missing from the playoffs this year.
April 13th, 2012
 It was widely unknown how audiences would respond to the new Broadway show Magic/Bird that opened on Wednesday at The Longacre Theatre and it’s still safe to say that it’s unknown how audiences will respond. According to the mixed reviews the show has received, it all depends on what you’re looking for, and what you’re hoping to get out of the show.
If you really just want to see the story of legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird play out on stage, you’re in luck. The performance is full of actual clips of the two playing each other, and outlines how they started as rivals who always needed to be better and faster than the others; and shows how they transformed into very, very good friends. This moment is most poignant both at the beginning, as we see Magic tell Larry over the phone that he’s been diagnosed with HIV, up until the very end when the two embrace after going through so much together.
If on the other hand, you’re looking for a great theatrical performance, you might wish that you had opted for a different show. Kevin Daniels does a great job portraying Magic Johnson in all his charisma and charm; while Tug Coker does an equally impressive job showing Larry Bird as a regular Midwestern guy that really just wants to play basketball, lights and cameras aside. Dierdre O’Connell, Peter Scolari, Francois Battiste, and Robert Manning all make up a great supportive cast as well, but the fact that they’re playing 20 characters shows through at moments, with no real depth shown in any one character.
What also lacked depth were the issues of racism and athlete exploitation that were brought to the forefront of the issues at the time, yet were barely touched on during the performance. And the basketball footage? While interesting and good to see, the overall effect is really just one of sitting in a theater watching basketball footage.
Considering that sports is a very difficult thing to bring to Broadway, director Thomas Kail and playwright Eric Simonson do have a lot to take pride in. They revisited one of the most memorable times in the NBA, and portrayed it in a way that is true to life and if nothing else, heartwarming to see.
April 9th, 2012
 It is less than a week away until the 2012 Stanley Cup NHL Playoffs officially begin, and already strategy has become a huge part of play. As some teams are still trying to unhinge each other to clinch their own playoff berth, those already in have their own tactics for making sure that they’re in top form entering Round One. The strategy: keep your best players out and make sure they’re rested for the playoffs. That’s certainly what both the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins seem to be thinking as they face off against each other tonight at Scotiabank Place.
It’s going to be an exact replica of what fans can most likely to expect in the first round; the same teams, the same fans — but not necessarily the same players. Tonight, the Senators will rest Craig Andreson in favor of starting backup Ben Bishop; and the Bruins will also rest their goalie, Tim Thomas, along with stars Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron. The fact that the Bruins are sitting many of their best though, has many pointing towards a theory that they want to ensure they face Ottawa in the first round by giving up two points.
It’s unlikely, though. In order for Ottawa to face the New York Rangers instead of the Bruins, they’d need to lose all of their remaining games. Not to mention the fact that the Bruins are the defending Stanley Cup champions, and the fact that they’re that scared of any team to set up such measures and actually lose a game, is even more doubtful.
Most likely, both of these teams know that they will be facing each other in just a week’s time. They know that now is the time to rest their star players, and let those who don’t get much chance to play time to shine for a little while. Either way, with so many theories running wild already, this is going to be the series to watch in the first round!
April 6th, 2012
 It’s day two of the Masters today and if you’ve never seen the biggest names in golf sweat, now is the time.
Tiger Woods had a lot of confidence and fan enthusiasm going for him after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational just two weeks ago. The pressure mounting after that win, and the whispers that this could be Tiger’s big comeback may have been too much pressure though, as Tiger played what could be called one of his worst Masters rounds yet. The fact that Woods was thrown a few miracles along the way on the course is the only reason why he ended the day at even par. No doubt Woods knows that he’s going to need a spectacular day today if he has a hope of winning; and he’ll just need to at least have a good one if he wants to move onto the weekend rounds.
Rory McIlroy came into the game yesterday trying to shake the ghosts of Masters past. It doesn’t seem like that long ago to anybody when he was well ahead going into the final round last year, only to see his lead evaporate in what will be known as one of the biggest chokes Augusta has ever seen. Unfortunately, this year’s not looking that different. McIlroy had a day much like Woods, starting off very shakily with a double-bogey six. Much like last year, McIlroy took it in stride and to show that patience generally pays off. He was able to do that after back-to-back birdie putts at least brought him back into the game despite continuing trouble with water on the 13th green and missing birdies and pars on the back nine.
The fact that neither star came and blew everyone else out of the water could make this one of the Masters’ most exciting year in a long time. Will it be the year for Tiger’s comeback? Will Rory McIlroy lay those ghosts to rest once and for all? Or will a dark horse emerge, and become the new Masters champion?
April 1st, 2012
 You had to know WrestleMania 28 would make history, as this event has been building for well over a year! The double main event has definitely been slow-brewing ever since 2011, when The Rock first met John Cena, and the Undertaker battles Triple H at last year’s WrestleMania 27.
Perhaps you even scoffed at the main event this year–after all, The Rock only shows up to a WWE ring once or twice a year. This match was made for the glory of John Cena, right? Wasn’t it obvious The Rock would play the role of “jabroni” to John Cena?
Maybe it was obvious, but it sure as heck didn’t happen! In fact, The Rock was the crowd favorite for the entire event (Cena was just about booed out of the stadium) and defeated the white rapper wrestler after a devastating Rock Bottom. The Rock Bottom finisher was perfectly executed, as Rock played dead for a mock “People’s Elbow” by Cena, and then sprung up to deliver the blow. The most interesting development, wrestling fans and insiders say, was the fact that Cena was playing the villain on WrestleMania 28, showing great arrogance, while The Rock was playing the role of hero underdog.
There were other upsets as well, such as Sheamus winning the World Title from Daniel Bryan in only 18 seconds, and Kane defeating Randy Orton with a clean choke slam. CM Punk also retained the title, defeating Chris Jericho with the “Anaconda vise.”
Perhaps the best match of the night (though Rock and Cena was a close second) was the Undertaker vs. Triple H, in a bout that virtually promised us that Undertaker would lose, and that Triple H would destroy the dead man’s WrestleMania winning streak. However, Taker again defeated Triple H with a tombstone pile driver to go 20-0. Gee, they made it seem like such a surprise. The most surprising bit was when Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Undertaker all shared a group hug! Sweeeet, guys.
Another interesting tidbit was the news that ex-UFC fighter Brock Lesnar was in Miami, and may have even been backstage at the event. However, Lesnar did not make his presence known. Perhaps he was just waiting for the perfect “surprise” appearance on the next episode of Monday Night RAW?
Wrestlemania 28 is history, but the WWE has nine more months of action to offer in 2012. Buy your tickets in advance and come enjoy the internal and external fireworks going on!
March 29th, 2012
The NFL annual league meeting was held yesterday, and while there was lots of buzz around the Saints, their bounty programs, and their punishments, there was still time to talk about how football would look next year. Amidst that talk, four major rules changes were made; here they are.
- Regular season overtime will now match playoff overtime. When the NFL changed the overtime rule last year to say that each team had to have possession of the ball at least once (unless a TD was scored), they held off on imposing the rule during the regular season, for fear of changing too much too soon. Now, the overtime in both regular and playoff season will match up — each team must have the ball at least once.
- Booth officials now have more power. Although the Bills didn’t get to have every replay review handled by booth officials, like they wanted, there were still some changes to the booth officials’ duties and responsibilities. These officials will now be able to replay reviews on fumbles, interceptions, backward passes, muffed kicks recovered by an opponent, and behind the line passes, also recovered by the opponent.
- Too many men. In the old rules (the ones that stood on Tuesday,) teams were simply given yardage when the opposing team had too many men. Now though, the play will be called a dead ball foul when there are too many men in formation.
- No more crackback blocks. Players who clip or block from below the waist are now considered to be defenseless players, and cannot be hit in the head or the neck.
These were the only changes that were actually made in yesterday’s meeting. However, there were still many issues left to be decided, and those will be tabled until May. No one’s worried, though. Rich McKay, president of the Atlanta Falcons, said coming out of the meeting, “There is not necessarily resistance. They do not need to be passed today. We will pass them in May.”
March 26th, 2012
 When it was announced on Monday that Peyton Manning would be signing with the Denver Broncos, everyone’s eyes turned to Tim Tebow. Where would the quarterback, who took his team to the playoffs while thanking God on bended knee, go now? Just days later, and after a contract debacle during negotiations, Tim Tebow is now a New York Jet, playing backup to Mark Sanchez.
Tim Tebow, along with a 2012 seventh-round draft pick, was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2012 fourth and sixth round draft pick. The deal seemed to be a simple one at first, but when negotiations started and it was found that Denver still owed Tebow $5 million of the salary advance from his rookie contract. That did seem to stall things for a bit and had everyone thinking that Tebow was in an off-again, on-again situation with the Jets. Finally the two sides agreed to each pay half and Tebow was on his way to New York.
Tebow, in a conference call with reporters, seemed optimistic about the move, saying, “I just want to thank the Denver Broncos for my time there. It was very memorable and special. Now I’m looking forward to my time as a Jet. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to play for such a great organization. It’s my dream and passion to help them out and just be a part of it. I’m just happy they believed in me and stuck with me through this crazy process.”
March 18th, 2012
The NBA trade deadline last Thursday came and went just as many of those in major sports as of late — no big names moved, and much of the anticipation that built up to it didn’t end up coming to fruition. But there were some teams that made some noise and for those that did, it’s now just a waiting game to see if those moves will pay off. Here’s a recap of what happened on the NBA trade deadline day.
- The biggest story was that Denver Nuggets traded Nene to the Washington Wizards for JaVale McGee. The deal also included the move of Nick Young, who will be leaving Washington to play for the L.A. Clippers.
- A huge story leading up to the trade deadline was that of Stephen Jackson, who was acquired by the Golden State Warriors along with Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown. Jackson may not have even had a chance to slip on the Warriors jersey though, before the team traded him to the San Antonio Spurs for Richard Jefferson and a conditional first round pick.
- The Portland Trailblazers made a few huge splashes, but those might be the only noise we hear from them for a while, as they are clearly focused now on rebuilding and have some challenging seasons in front of them. The Trailblazers traded Markus Camby to the Houston Rockets, and sent Gerald Wallace to the New Jersey Nets for center Mehmet Okur, forward Shawne Williams, and the Nets’ protected first-round pick.
- The L.A. Lakers acquired Jason Kapono and Luke Walton from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga.
Leading up to the deadline of course, the biggest talk was that of Dwight Howard and whether he would be traded or not. It seemed as though Howard couldn’t make up his mind, wanting to be traded and then wanting to stay in Orlando and then wanting to be traded again. It was enough to make any fan, or Magic owner, crazy; and left Howard giving the excuse that it was a “heart vs. head” decision. Excuses or not, it leaves the Magic with a playoff spot that they’ve got to really make something of — before Howard’s head sends him to play in another city.
Steve Nash was another name that was heavily talked about before trade deadline day; and another one in which there was no move. Unlike Howard though, Nash was very clear both before and during the trade frenzy that he did not want to be moved; although his contract with the Phoenix Suns is up after this season. So it may not be so much that he’s “happy with the organization” as he claims, but that he’s just waiting until his free agency begins to make the most money he can — there are a lot of teams that would love to add to Nash to their roster.
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