FINALLY SOME SMARTS WHEN IT COMES TO NATIVE AMERICAN TEAM NICKNAMES

I've watched this nonsense for some time now when it came to renaming teams with a reference to the Native American.  As a Chicago Blackhawks fan, I had dog in the fight.  Sunday, President Donald Trump weighed in with his big stick.  Perhaps he can cause those who felt they were being pushed to making a name change, to wise up.  

"President Trump implored owners of the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Cleveland Guardians to revert to the organizations' old nicknames in a social media post.

Daniel Snyder changed Washington's team name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team before the start of the 2020 season amid a summer of racial tensions.  The team eventually became the Washington Commanders, and Snyder sold the team to Josh Harris. 

In July 2021, team owner Paul Dolan announced the Cleveland Indians would become the Cleveland Guardians.  Cleveland had been known as the Indians since 1915.  Dolan previously said the decision to explore the name change came from "an awakening or epiphany" after the death of George Floyd".

All of these excuses are bunk.  How can you take a proud nickname of a professional sports team and treat it otherwise?  Both the Redskins and Indians were such. They represented the Redskins and Indians with class.  Their city deserved better.  Their fans deserved better.  And so did their sport. 

    

The Redskin logo designed by a Native American

As a Blackhawks supporter I had some real uneasy moments when this nonsense hit fever pitch.  Despite the uproar, Chicago management remained staunch. They didn't cave to change their nickname and the support they got from the Blackhawks nation was overwhelming.    

"Regardless, the push to keep the Native American team names has been strong, particularly with the Commanders' organization.  Trump already expressed his belief that the Commanders made a mistake when they changed the name from the Redskins. The Washington 'Whatevers' should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team.  There is a big clamoring for this, wrote Ttump on Truth Social on Sunday.   Likewise, so are the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a stored past".  The Redskins logo was inspired by Blackfeet Chief John Two Guns White Calf.

I would only hope with Trump jumping into the fray that some strong consideration to change comes.  It's time to take back the names of a couple of proud sports franchises. Actually, it's way past time because it never should have happened.  Trump might have an upper hand in this matter.  He has said he might not support a new stadium being built if a name change doesn't occur.  The new stadium deal involves federal land, though Congress transferred control to the city in January.  However, Congress retains control over the District of Columbia's budget.  

It doesn't make any difference if you're a fan of Donald Trump to agree with what he's suggesting.  It's simply Common Sense.  

"Our great Indian people, in massive numbers want to this to happen.  Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them.  Times are different now than they were three or four years ago.  We are a Country of passion and common sense.  OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!"       

Washington officials remain a hard sell on changing the nickname back.  Cleveland remains mum. 

We'll see who blinks.  

IS THIS CAITLIN CLARK BERATING EVER GOING TO END?

I truly hope this is the last time I have to write about the Caitlin Clark saga as to how the WNBA players hate her and try to impose their physical play on her each and every game.   I said I hope, but I know it's not going to happen.  The real question is, where will this mindset take the league?  

"Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon that has changed women's basketball, women's sports and sports, Period", according to USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan.  Brennan hits the issue spot on.  No ifs, ands or buts.  "But what makes her tick?  How did a kid from Iowa become one of the most recognizable athletes in the world?  And what does her presence mean for the future of the WNBA and how we talk about it?"  Brennan's new book, "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports", is a classic read.  Brennan's words were calculated and gave a truthful look into what's at stake if changes don't take place in the league.   

"Reports and social media posts indicate that Brennan has been critical of the WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league's handling of Clark, particularly concerning the physical play she has faced.  Her criticism mainly focuses on what she perceives as a lack of protection for Clark and a missed opportunity by the league to fully embrace and support its rising star".   

For me, the Brennan book further supports my belief that the league should fire Engelbert and completely dismantle and rebuild its officiating crews.  The officials are horrendous, and safety has now become an even bigger issue.  To think the WNBA has a greater issue in this regard than the NBA is mind boggling. 

To see how Ms. Clark is impacting the league, take a gander at this:

"ABC had its most watched WNBA game ever on Sunday when Paige Bueckers and Dallas faced Clark and the Indiana Fever.  Indiana won in a blowout, 102-83, in the first pro matchup between the two-star guards.  The game averaged 2.1 million viewers".  Clark clearly is working her way back from a quad injury but still managed a double-double with 14 points and 13 assists.   

Clark is not only the face of the league on the court, but she is also a slam dunk off it.  Clark has an innate way of being one and two steps ahead of any competition she faces.  She is a marketing guru. Case in point, the upcoming WNBA All-Star game.  At the conclusion of the drafting of players by the captains from each team, Clark and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, Clark fired off a jaw-dropper.  

She did what?  Traded me?

"Clark announced on the WNBA Countdown show, she was trading head coach Cheryl Reeve to Collier (who is, of course, her coach in Minnesota) in return for New York Liberty head coach, Sandy Brondello.  While Clark didn't go into too much detail as to why she wanted this trade, it obviously makes sense for Collier to have her own head coach.  But fans were quick to notice that Reeve was notoriously critical about the amount of attention Clark received compared to the rest of the league heading into the Fever's star rookie season.  Not to mention that Reeve was coach of Team USA Olympics squad, from which Clark was infamously snubbed.  Reeve asserts having played no role in that decision.  Her continued criticism of Clark says otherwise.  The look on Reeve's face of Clark's actions definitely will add to their fiery relationship.  I'm not sure if it would be wise to take on Clark.  Caitlin is truly the much bigger commodity.           

When the WNBA season ends and contract talks begin for 2026, it will be interesting to see who carries the biggest stick regarding the league's future.  I have a pretty good idea.  Hey, and if there is a big blowout, Clark can always go start her own league.  I wouldn't put it past her

Enjoy your sports day!!!

    

CARVER-HAWKEYE SEATING GETS A BIG BUMP....FINALLY!!!

Well, it's about time! Let's see if we can have one word express something long, long, long overdue...FINALLY.

The University of Iowa made a decision this past Thursday to change the seating arrangements in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.  Now, students will be closer to the floor and be able to rain down their great support for the Iowa Athletic teams.

"There is nothing like the roar of Carver-Hawkeye Arena", said Director of Athletics Beth Goetz.  "Our fans are the heartbeat of every season, and their unwavering support is felt by our student-athletes and coaches.  We are excited for the upcoming seasons and creating the next wave of unforgettable Hawkeye moments".     

"While the announcement provided the various seating prices for the three winter sports at Car-Hawkeye Arena (Men's and Women's Basketball and Men's Wrestling), potentially the most exciting news in the release was that students will now have the ability to sit behind the south baseline.  

Carver-Hawkeye Arena became a little more rabid

"This will be made possible by installing a courtside riser with a capacity for over 200 individuals, which enhances the in-game atmosphere by bringing students closer to the action and providing additional floor-level concession opportunities. Previously, students were seated far behind the south baseline due to the oval-shaped seating configuration of Carver-Hawkeye Arena". 

This move has been a much-debated topic over the years.  Fans, sportswriters and reporters bought up the home court disadvantage the Hawks have had over the years. Former Athletic Director Gary Barta never seemed to want to address the situation.   Fans were less than satisfied with Barta's complacency.  Their chief argument had to do with Kinnick Stadium that sits south across campus of the basketball arena.  For years, Kinnick has been known as one of the toughest stadiums to play in across the country.  It's known for its raucous crowds and small sidelines which has been a great boost for Hawkeye Football.  "Why can't we make Carver-Hawkeye as tough to play in as Kinnick", was the chief cry from the fan base.  They now have their wish.  

The Women's Basketball team has enjoyed several years of unbelievable support.  The sellout crowds they've enjoyed these last few years have put Iowa on the map of a place to come watch a game.  With added student craziness, look out.  Waiting, waiting is a new and improved Men's Basketball Team.  The seating chart move should help increase their attendance.  

AD Beth Goetz continues to address the sports department in so many good ways.  Was it the perfect marriage when she became AD in 2024?  I'm beginning to think so.   

There are a few items that are moving up the Goetz's ladder for attention.  Will Kirk Ferentz retire at season's end?  Will becoming the top man in Big Ten Football wins and a victory total at years end that would enable him to be elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, finally be enough?   

And then there's Tom Brands.  He might be in the final run of his Hawkeye career as head wrestling coach.  Much bad news these past few weeks are showing cracks in the program.  A once proud Iowa team is finding it real hard to remain in the top 5 nationally.  

FINALLY, I'd love to be a fly on the wall of Dan Gable's sauna at his Iowa City acreage.  He can't be happy.  

AND...may your team play passionately this week and be deserving of your love in SportsRealms.    

  

  

WHERE OH WHERE HAVE THE DRAFT SHOWS GONE?

 

Once upon a time the draft shows for each of the bigger sports had some entertainment and some factual information about the players that were being drafted.  The granddaddy of them all, the NFL continues to provide a pretty good couple of days of interest. Although I don't watch it from beginning to end like I used too, I find myself drawn to watching because of the plethora of information and video provided on each player drafted.  The families and friends are kept in the green room, so the main focus is on the athlete.    

The WNBA draft which was held on April 15th was lacking in so many things, that is except skin.   The ladies showed cleavage in about any way possible.  Dresses were slit up the side to give viewers ample look at their long legs.  Oh, and let's not forget the many ways made possible to showcase their rear ends. I really am concerned whether these players are more interested in their fashion career than they are in playing the game of basketball.  Facebook has become like the tabloid of old, Playboy.  Our culture has given in to this way of life.  Can't say I agree with it.

Next on the agenda was the NBA draft that was held this past Wednesday with the first round.  The second round was shown on Thursday.   Without question, this sport's draft lottery left much to be desired.  Viewers were confused throughout both evenings' coverage as to where the players were being drafted.  If there was a trade involved, the Commissioner and his assistant didn't announce said trade until several selections after the transaction took place.  Not only were viewers trying to figure out who was going where, the ESPN panel of Malika Andrews, Jay Bilas, Kendrick Perkins and Bob Meyers had the same issues.  At one point, Andrews had to look at her notes to make sure she was giving the right information.  It shouldn't be that difficult. What was rather repetitive was the blather of explaining the long roads each of the athletes had taken to get to their dream.  Ok, we get it.  But aren't all those roads long?  Some more than others, no doubt.  There was also way too much overkill with seeing the parents, friends, coaches and girlfriends at their respective tables.  The hands down winner of the evening was Chloe Kitts, of South Carolina, a baller for the Gamecocks Women's team and the steady of #9 selection, Collin Murray-Boyles.  The picture below gives an indication of the distraction she became.  Is she beautiful?  I would say very much so.  But the dress left little for the imagination on a night that clearly should have been Murray-Boyles when he was selected by the Toronto Raptors.     

Her response?  "It's crazy to think that last year we were sitting on the couch watching the draft and you looked at me and said, 'That'll be next year.'"-Kitts wrote on her Instagram accompanied by picture from the Draft Night   Kitts is expected to go high in the 2026 WNBA Draft.  I wonder if Collin will wear anything as revealing as his partner.  To be continued.....   

One more thing on the NBA.  Monica McNutt has to go.  She is a terrible sideline reporter.  Her conversations with the each of the drafted players was stiff and lacking in any substance.  "Tell me what you're thinking?" is not an idea of getting much of any kind of a response back. It might make more sense for a reporter doing the follow up with the athletes to be seated and enable a good, short discussion as to what their mindset is.       

And the night was to be about who?

This past Friday night and Saturday we saw the NHL's version of the Draft.  For me, their coverage has been rocketing up each and every year.  Again, the players are the focus.  The friends and family are present in the stands and give their support when their star's name is called out.  What I found creative was the interview each player had with his new organization after donning their new hat and entering what they called, the War Room.  The back and forth with the newest member of their organization, I found to be refreshing.  The biggest complaint I heard was the length of the first round which many thought far too long.  That's correctable.  I give the NHL an atta boy for thinking outside the box. 

Up next will be the MLB Draft Show on July 13th and 14th in Atlanta at the All-Star Game. I'm not sure what to expect from them this year.  They've shown over the years to be a little less than creative.  Now would be a good time to hit a home run.    I'd have to think the backdrop with the myriad of celebrities on hand would provide for a good show.    Mabe we'll have a little Holiday in Atlanta.  Like in Ethan, the brother of Jackson playing for the Baltimore Orioles and father, Matt, a former Athletic, Rockies and Cardinal player of note.  Ethan might be the first one off the board.  

Let's hope for a little less skin and a little more substance on the players of tomorrow.  As they say.....PLAY BALL!!!   

BASSETT'S DECOMMIT FROM IOWA SIGNALS BIG TIME TROUBLE FOR THE HAWKEYES

 

The University of Iowa Hawkeyes received some devastating news on Sunday.  The type of news that can cause some real problems for the Hawkeye wrestling future.  The top recruit in the 2026 class informed the University that he is decommitting and reopening his recruitment.   

"Bassett, who competes for Bishop McCort High School in Pennsylvania, was a major pickup for Iowa this past February, according to the Des Moines Register.  Bassett was a U17 World champion in 2021 and U20 World bronze medalist in 2024.  In the United States, he is also a three-time Ironman, Powerade and Super 32 champion.  He chose Iowa after a lengthy recruiting process, during which Bassett considered around 80 different programs".    

There has been a myriad of rumors for Bassett's change of heart.  Some say there was a disagreement between the parents and the Iowa coaching staff.  Others suggest something that at first blush makes no sense at all.  Bo Bassett and Melvin Miller wanted to train at the Hawkeye Wrestling Club, as other programs do with their recruits.  Brands told them no and he wasn't gonna be told how to run his program.  Melvin wanted to commit to Iowa.  He is the #1 ranked wrestler on the class of 2027 Big Board.  He is a teammate of Bassett at Bishop McCort.  Why would you choose something so petty to stand your ground it would cause some of the top wrestlers in the country to say, goodbye?    

As big a loss as there is....

Here is Bassett's story from his Instagram account.  "After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I've decided to decommit from the University of Iowa.  This wasn't easy, but I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey.  I'm grateful for the opportunity, and I'll never speak a bad word about their program.  This is about finding the place God wants me to be.  This is a huge decision in my life, and it has to be the right one".    

From Bassett's post, the words, "I believe it's not the right fit for me as a wrestler, a person or for my faith journey",  are more than damning to Iowa recruiting-wise.  It's words like that can set back a program for years.  It will be more than interesting to see where Bassett lands.  If it's Oklahoma State, wow!!  Penn State is clearly the leader of the collegiate wrestling world, but Nebraska and the Cowboys are trying all they can to close the gap.  Sunday's decision is going to put Iowa outside the top three for sure.  

Iowa had shown in recent months they were making some in-roads with some recruiting wins.  My guess is, some other committed athletes will now begin looking around.  Is this enough to signal a change at the heading coaching position?  Not sure.  But I do know this....an Iowa fan base is wanting things to return to the glory days.  It's been far too long in their minds.  This won't help matters.

Would love to be a fly on the wall in Dan Gables' sauna.  I'm sure he has a few thoughts of his own.

Hopefully better days ahead Hawk fans...

   

  

WHAT SPORT IS THE HARDEST AND MOST DANGEROUS TO OFFICIATE?

If you've been channel surfing in recent days, you've seen virtually all of the top sports in the world.  Hockey is in its final stages, the same for the NBA (WNBA is just getting started), MLB is in full speed, Golf just completed the U.S. Open, Tennis finished up the French Open and Soccer is still in full swing.  Heck let's not forget Football with its recent UFL Title Game.  Yes, you've been able to see a variety of sports, some that require officials on the field of play and others, like Tennis, where the judge sits in the safety of a chair.  Even Track and Field has its own nuances. So, having a chance to see so many, I asked myself the question, what is the hardest and most dangerous sport to officiate?   

A puck can do serious damage to the face, teeth and body, for sure 

 In doing some follow-up research to my question, it appears that baseball, football, soccer and hockey seem to be the leaders.  Let's take a look at each.

BASEBALL:  

A game of precision, power and speed.  Umpires need excellent vision, hearing and stamina. An ability to see the spin on a curve ball and a bang, bang play at first is crucial. It's going to be interesting to see how their duties change when the robo umpire comes into play in the not-too-distant future.  Some danger for sure, especially if you're hit by a 100-mph fastball or a battled ball at speeds nearing 120-mph.  A minimum of four umps on the field of play and replay help in the ease of making the right call.

FOOTBALL: 

In a typical college or pro football game, there are seven officials on the field. That number plus replay is again a helping factor in making crucial calls.  The most obvious danger is getting run over by 300-pound linemen, which seldom happens.  The weather might be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome.  Play continues in nearly every condition but lightning.  The speed of the game and the physical play makes this job somewhat difficult.

SOCCER:

Endurance and good vision make for an excellent official.  There are generally three referees on the field.  Over enthusiastic fan bases typically make calling a soccer match extremely hard.  That fact alone makes their job dangerous. Soccer games have long halves with minimal stoppages.  Refs cover a large area and are susceptible to injuries from running and collisions.  

HOCKEY:

The absolute #1 sport. Four on-ice officials are required in hockey.  Hockey is incredibly fast-paced, and officials must maintain constant awareness of the puck. Physical contact breaking up altercations happens often throughout the game as is the exposure to collisions with players from each team. Verbal abuse from fans and players are continual.  And lastly, the officials have to skate, skate, skate.  Players typically have a shift of 30-60 seconds.  Not the officials.  Endurance is essential.

A POSSIBLE HOCKEY SUBSTITUTE?

"In 1996, sports anchor Ed Harding explored a unique twist on hockey, a version played off the ice and in the water.  This version challenged players to keep their snorkels clear with navigating the game.  Actual underwater footage of the game showed how strategic people need to be. Just like in regular hockey, players duked it out in corners and fought for control over the puck.  Poetically, one player stated, "age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill".

YOUTH SPORTS (HONORBLE MENTION): 

It goes without saying, the most demanding officiating takes places at the youth level.  Overzealous parents and coaches are tremendously demeaning to officials at this level.  So much so, it is becoming harder and harder each year to find volunteers to fill these roles. 

Next time you watch a sporting event, watch the officials, umpires or referees and see how they do their job.  Each sport has its unique flavor to add to the difficulty of officiating.  Appreciate the job they do. Not everyone wants their jobs.  Can I get an amen?  

Heck, even Roller Derby has three officials.  Although you'd never know it.....

Have a great sports day.     

SIMONE BILES BORDERING ON SNL IGNORANCE

 Back in the 70's, actor Dan Akroyd launched on his co-anchor, Jan Curtin, with a famous line that has echoed over the years. The line was part of a comedic rendition of their Saturday Night Live newscast. Akroyd had become fed up with Curtin's lack of knowledge and fired off a one-liner, "Jane you ignorant s___t". If things could have gone viral back then, that shot would have been a huge success.  Considering today's social media, it still could be.  

Last week Simone Biles teetered on the same level with her comment on transgender men playing in men's sports. 

Here is the report from Fox News...   

"Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles received harsh backlash on social media on Saturday after the gymnastics star sparred with former 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines over the debate surrounding transgender athletes competing in girls' and women's sports.

Riley Gaines will not back down

Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer and current OutKick contributor and host of the "Gaines for Girls" podcast, took to X on Friday to call out the Minnesota State High School League for posting a picture of the new state champions, Champlin Park High School.  Champlin Park used a male pitcher to win the title.  In response to Gaines' criticism of the post, Biles posted a message calling Gaines "truly sick" over her stance on trans athletes.  She even launched a personal attack at Gaines.   

You're truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race.  Straight up sore loser", Biles said, referencing Gaines competing against former UPenn swimmer Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships.  You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports.  Maybe a transgender category IN All sports!! But instead....you bully them.  One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!"

Biles signed off by telling Gaines she should pick on somebody her own size.    

The backlash to Bile's comments has been far-reaching.  As well it should.

Let's not forget this is the same athlete (Biles) that wore a Green Bay Packers-themed jacket to a Chicago Bears pre-season game last year.  The jacket featured photos of her husband, Jonathan Owens, who was once a Packer, but who had signed with Chicago that spring.  If anyone knows anything about sports, wearing Packer gear to a Bear's game is a serious lack of smarts.

Gaines has received a ton of support since this past weekend especially when she revealed a comment from Biles that she posted in October of 2017.  And it's not a great look.  "Ahh good thing guys don't compete against girl's, or he'd take all the gold medals".  Gaines has suggested that if Bile's competed against men, nobody would know about her.  Ouch.  That says a lot.  

I am inclined to think of an old saying my father used to say when ignorance reared its ugly head.  "You can't fix stupid".

We have so much to be proud of in athletics in our country.  It's a shame the prestige has fallen to this level.  What will Simone do next?  I'm sure whatever it is, it will show her ignorance. Keep endorsing the products, you do Simone and stay out of the politics of sports.  And from the sounds of it, it might be too late to do that.  Altheta is considering dropping her as a client. 

COURT RULING OPENS NCAA BARN DOOR FURTHER

It's taken a long time, but the courts have finally weighed in on colleges ability to pay their athletes.  A decision was reached on Friday.  

An article from Dan Murphy of ESPN said the following.  "Judge Claudia Wilken approved the deal between the NCAA, its most powerful conferences and lawyers representing all Division I athletes.  The House vs NCAA settlement ends three separate federal antitrust lawsuits, all of which claimed the NCAA was illegally limiting the earning power of college athletes. 

Wilken's long-awaited decision comes with less than a month remaining before schools are planning to start cutting checks to athletes on July 1st. Both sides presented their arguments for approving the settlement at a hearing in early April.  While college sports leaders have been making tentative plans for a major shift in how they do business, the tight turnaround time means schools and conferences will have to hustle to establish the infrastructure needed to enforce their new rules".  

Here's a rundown of what the new process will look like:  

Revenue Sharing:

Schools can share up to $20.5 millions of their athletic revenue with student-athletes, a cap that is expected to increase annually.

Back Payments:

The settlement also includes $2.8 billions in back payments for athletes who competed between 2016 and 2024.

Roster Limits:

The settlement includes provisions for new roster limits, but schools can grandfather in existing athletes.

NIL Clearinghouse:

A new clearinghouse will be responsible for reviewing NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, ensuring compliance with the settlement.

Enforcement:

The enforcement of the settlement will be primarily managed by the four power conferences, (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC) rather than the NCAA.

Power Conferences:

The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC hold significant decision-making power, particularly concerning the College Football Playoff. 

Future Legal Scrutiny:

The settlement is expected to face future legal challenges, potentially including those related to Title IX and the capped compensation system.

Congression Action:

There are efforts to codify the settlement terms through a congressional bill to protect the NCAA and power conferences from future legal challenges.

I have many questions regarding the ruling.  For one, the back pay of athletes that played from 2016 to 2024 is going to a convoluted mess.  How is a dollar amount going to be reached for their play during that time period?  What about injuries that curtailed their statistics or perhaps ended their careers?  Good luck in administering that.  

Supposedly a new sheriff is going to be leading a new Clearinghouse in NIL.  My understanding that individual will be coming from an NCAA background.  I see a whole array of issues there.  And where might other hands be trying to dig into the till of the athlete that got a nice deal?  

And lasty, when dollars are laid out by universities by a percentage for each sport and say football gets 75% of the piece of the pie, how long do you think it will take for sports that get a small piece to begin filing lawsuits to change the amount their sports get?

Money, money, money for the trophies 

Wilken's final-approval ruling can be taken to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  It is not certain whether it will be appealed, but objecting parties have 30 days to decide.  The contentiousness surrounding the roster limits could result in one of more of the objectors who were focused on that issue not only appealing but also seeking a stay that would delay implementation of the entire settlement.  

The barn door is swung open much further now based on Wilken's ruling.  I highly doubt we have an across-the-board agreement. The fighting is far from over so.....Let the Wild, Wild West continue to roll.     

   

  

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SPORTSREALMS DELIGHT-PUCKS AND B-BALL

 The finalists are quickly emerging in both the NHL and NBA Playoffs.  What once looked like some promising matchups are turning into walkovers.  

Let's take a look at the NBA first.  Most pundits would have had the New York Knicks and Indianapolis Pacers matchup as pretty even.  That thought lasted a very short time.  When the Pacers won the first two games on the road, it put them squarely in the driver's seat.  As they return to New York on Thursday night, they have a 3-1 series lead.  The end could be fast approaching BUT, before we go crowning Indianapolis Eastern Division Champs, remember....a fourth victory is the hardest game to win in a seven-game series.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Knicks win Game 5.  Game Six would switch back to the Pacers home court, Gainbridge Fieldhouse.  That's where I think we see a champion crowned.  Tyrese Haliburton has been so dominating in this series for the Pacers.  The former Iowa State Cyclone is now showing all basketball fans; he's more than a follower of Caitlin Clark.  He has his own game and it's not too shabby! 

In the Western Division, the Oklahoma City Thunder have turned the Minnesota Timberwolves into a confused ballclub.  The depth of the Thunder and an ability to keep the Timberwolves Anthony Edwards under control has been their calling card.  As I post this, the Thunder are leading 65-32 at the half.  I will update as the game concludes. (UPDATE:  OKC WINS 124-94).  I think a 33-point lead at the half will be a safe ticket to the finals for Oklahoma City.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is showing off his recent MVP honor.  He will be a deciding factor in the Finals against either one who makes it through on the other side of the bracket (New York or Indy).   

Can the Panthers repeat?  Aaaah, yes

The NHL East and West finals have very similar to the NBA's.  The Florida Panthers are leading the Carolina Panthers in the East series, 3-1.  Tonight (Wednesday) they trailed 2-0 entering the second period on Panther home ice.  BOOM! They exploded for three straight goals entering the third period with a 3-2 lead.  (UPDATE: Florida wins 5-3 and advances). Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is clearly the man for Florida.  He has been dominating in the net now for such a long time.  Many hockey analysts had crowned Winnipeg G Connor Hellebuyck as the top goalie in the World.  I strongly "disagree".  "Bob" has been strong in the regular season and the playoffs.  He could very well be the reason Florida wins the Stanley Cup again.  Several weeks ago, I mentioned Florida as my favorite to win the Cup.  That hasn't changed, but my dark horse, the Edmonton Oilers, might give them a run for money.  That's of course if they get by the Dallas Stars,  Game 5 is to be played Thursday night in Dallas.  The Oilers can score with anybody with the weapons they have in forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the best forwards there are.  But is their defense for real.  After getting thumped 6-3 in the opener, Stuart Skinner has been a strong presence in net.  His play will decide the division champion as well as any run to the Cup Edmonton has.

Added Caveat....

"Tickets prices have drastically fallen since Monday's news of Caitlin Clark's quad injury.  For the four games (at minimum) will miss, the average purchase price was 71% more expensive prior to the news than Tuesday, as the average has dropped from $137 to $80 per ticket according to TickPick data provided to USA Today Sports"..   

The Indiana Fever lost their first game without Clark on Wednesday night, 83-77 to the Washington Mystics.     

The Caitlin Clark affect is already apparent on and off the court.  More to come.........

    

AN ANGEL NEEDS TO CHANGE HER WINGS

 Enough is enough.  This crap needs to stop and this Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese pettiness needs end.  It's gone on long enough certainly to the point that it needs addressing by WNBA League Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert.  Last year Reese did everything but beat up the league cash cow.  Reese fouled Clark hard any chance she got, threw her to the floor and encouraged her teammates to follow suit.  It certainly resembled bad sportsmanship to the fullest. And through it all Engelbert has done little.  It's like she's clueless the image of the league is at stake.

My take is fairly simple.  Clark is a generational player.  She is to the WNBA what Michael Jordan was to the NBA.  The star.  No one else.  Imagine players treating Jordan like Reese does Clark.  How long do you think that would have taken place?  And when you compare the significance of both Clark and Jordan it's easy to come to the conclusion no one else deserves to be on that mountain.  It'd be like Denis Rodman wanting his piece of the NBA pie.  Granted Rodman was a good rebounder, actually great and he played good defense, but he was not an NBA super nova.  

That's what Angel Reese wants to be known as.  "Remember people come to see me play too", she says.  But what we all might ask ourselves is for what?  Dirty play, mouthing at fans, coaches and teammates.  Don't think so.  But that's her calling card.  And for some reason, she's comfortable with it.  I don't get it.  That's not the way to influence young girl basketball players and athletes in general.  Her attitude reeks of jealousy and it's that jealousy that, I believe is going to take her over the edge.  If you saw the play involving Clark and Reese in the league opener you can see what I'm speaking of.  The play was a hard foul by Clark, no doubt.  But it was a basketball play made to force Reese to go to the free throw line rather than getting a gift layup.  It's the reaction from Reese that is most concerning.  Had Alyiah Boston not been where she was to step between the two, I believe Reese would have hit or pushed Clark, hoping to get Clark to retaliate.  And Clark simply walks away.  Not taking Reese's bait.  This is the kind of behavior Reese's game has resorted to.  

   

What is equally disappointing to see is the response of the Chicago media and the Chicago Sky staff. The media has continued to support her in all her shenanigans.  I've seen no reporter question Reese why she plays so "angry" against Clark.  Perhaps she's happy with the thug image.  Her coaches continue in their support too.  Sad.

Another piece of the story is...."it's not just race; it's also sexuality", says OutKick Sports founder Clay Travis, noting that the WNBA is 70% lesbian.  "Caitlin Clark is a white heterosexual woman in a black lesbian league.  And they resent and are jealous of all the attention and the shoe deal that she got.  And instead of recognizing the truth, which is that great athletes who people care about....really do make everybody more money". 

The only criticism I have of Caitlin is her incessant talking back to the officials.  Not every foul that's called on her is anything less than, a foul.  So quit yapping and take the medicine.

Let's simplify it as easy as possible.  This entire matter is about duty.  An athlete should strive in duty to  families, to friends, and to their job.  Not to mention the city and the sport....and let's not forget the fans. 

Time to wake up and control the thugs....   

CLASSIC SPORTSREALM ENDING IN A LACK OF SHOES AND A ROSE

The question I get asked about this site most often is, "what the heck is a Sportsrealm?"   Here might be one of the simplest responses.  "Sportsrealms includes the ways in which sports are discussed, debated and represented in society, as well as the various venues, teams and organizations that contribute to the sport's presence.  In essence, it's the world of sports, its culture and its impact on society".  Hey, it's the Wide World of Sports!

I've spent an exorbitant amount of time on sports websites.  I'm no different than you.  If my team is looking to trade for a player or lock up a top commitment, I'm searching everywhere I can for information, until a final decision is reached.   

It never ceases to amaze me the wide range of intelligence fans show with their posts.  Some are knee jerk reactions and others are in-depth pieces of statistical information to support their stance.  That's why I've concluded, "your world is often different than mine.  I see things a different way.  Be that as it may". 

I've been perusing the Iowa Hawkeye sports sites in recent days in regard to a young guard/forward the Women's Basketball team is trying to land.  Her name is Emely Rodriguez.  She played last year at Central Florida and averaged 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.  She made the All-Big 12 Conference freshman team and has three years of eligibility remaining.  Rodriquez placed her name in the transfer portal in early May and visited Iowa on May 12th.  She also visited Indiana the next day.  We're still waiting on her decision.  (UPDATE): Iowa lands Rodriquez on Monday.  Huge get.  She had been recruited by UCONN and South Carolina as a high schooler,   

One site in particular, Hawkeye Beacon, does a superb job of following the women's program.  There were numerous posts about Rodriquez and whether she'd make Iowa better.  And if better, how much better than the current roster is.  The back and forth, yea and nay is head shaking.   Last night I came across a post that I found so well thought out.  And sums up what a true sportsrealmer is all about.  The writing is from Lembo Allen.  

"This is a very interesting discussion....everyone's fan experience is uniquely their own...mine is based on the culture of the program and the personality of the players and coaching staff.  As I have mentioned before I'm not tied to the university nor the state of Iowa....I trust Coach J to find the correct balance between high school recruiting and the portal to keep me engaged as a rabid Iowa WBB fan.  Even with all the winning of that Geno (Auriemma), Dawn (Staley) and Kim (Mulkey) have done with their programs, I have never enjoyed those teams as much as I have the Hawkeyes.  I have even found myself going back to find video clips of Hawkeye games prior to my first Iowa experience.  I get the same feel good vibes from watching those teams that I do watching the current version.  The joy our girls play with is incredible with no disrespect for anyone else's fandom.  I ride or die with whoever Jan and Co put together and cheer relentlessly for their success.  I will be excited for recruiting and portal wins and I won't dwell on the what ifs of perceived misses.  I am so glad I found the Iowa WBB program and truly enjoy being David against the Goliaths of WBB..GO HAWKS!!"  Well said Lembo.

Now back to Ms. Rodriquez.  In digging a little deeper on the young lady, I think she'd bring something to the roster they don't have a great deal of, athleticism.  She can make her own shot, drives well to the basket, plays good defense, rebounds and shoots the three-ball fairly well.   Here's a little look.

  

Here's my two cents.  I didn't think so at first, but Iowa needs Rodriquez's services.  She could very well be an important missing element.   For all the Lembo's out there, I hope the Rodriquez's recruitment ends in Iowa's favor.  I feel Emely is clearly a difference maker and one that could move Iowa into the second week of NCAA play.  And maybe beyond.....

 

LET'S TALK SOME BASEBALL....

I've refrained from offering any thoughts on the Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose eligibility to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I wanted to mull the subject and make sure my feelings were true.  "In an historic, sweeping decision, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday removed Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson and other deceased players from Major League Baseball permanently ineligible list".   

Rose was placed on baseball's ineligible list on August of 1989, voluntarily.  That's a long time ago.  He bet while managing the Cincinnati Reds.  Not good.  Rose could be eligible in December of 2027.  Why wait?  Let's get done as soon as possible.  Shoeless was another story.  Jackson was associated with the Black Sox scandal from the 1919 World Series while playing with the Chicago White Sox.  Shoeless supposedly participated in a conspiracy to fix games.    

Should Jackson and Rose be in the Hall of Fame?  Yes.  And should they have been voted in some time ago?  Yes.  Did they both do something stupid?   Yes.  And who should cast the first stone?  Not me.  I look at it this way.  Or maybe I really look at it Pete's way.   

"Last September, in his last interview, 10 days before his death (Rose died on September 2024), Pete told sportscaster John Condit: I've come to the conclusion--I hope I'm wrong--that I'll make the Hall of Fame after I die.  Which I totally disagree with, because the Hall of Fame is for two reasons: your fans and your family...and it's for your family if you're here,  It's for your fans if you're here.  Not if you're 10 feet under.  You understand what I'm saying?  What good is it going to do me or my fans if they put me in the Hall of Fame a couple of years after I pass away", Rose told Condit.  "What's the point? What's the point?  Because they'll make money over it".      

And there's Pete with his last slap hit.  

PLAY BALL!! 

DESPITE THE LONG SEASON, THE PLAYOFFS HAVE BEEN TRULY SENSATIONAL IN THE NHL AND NBA

With the glut of sports available to us these days it's becoming even more than a suggestion to pass on the regular season and check in on the playoffs.  I'm specifically talking the NHL and NBA.  Both have seasons are far too long, 82 games to be exact.  The NHL starts in early October and the NBA in the latter part of the same month.  

I like both sports but there are others that are in competition with my TV watching.  In October you have the MLB running down to the World Series. The NFL is a month into play then too....same for college football.  Volleyball is making a run for "eyes" to the TV set these days. The women have made this sport one that has attracted a rabid fan base.  It remains to be seen where it will go.  Then there's Tennis which is pretty much year-round.  Golf begins early in January.  It seems like soccer is always on the tube somewhere.  Then the MMA.  Whew!  Have I forgotten anyone? 

Before anyone calls me on it, there are roughly 200 sports that have international recognition through an international governing body of some sort, also a small part of the estimated 8,000 played world-wide.  Yes, 8,000.

Now that we've proven how sports crazy we've become, I think it's time to dial in on just how special post-season has become.

The NHL games have been wild to say the least and we're only in round two of the playoffs.  In the Western Division there were two opening series that were decided by a 4-3 games margin:  Winnipeg over St. Louis and Dallas over Colorado and two decided by 4 games to 2: Vegas over Minnesota and Edmonton over the LA Kings.  In the first round of the East, 3 series were decided by 4-1 margins: Washington over Montreal, Florida by Tampa Bay and Carolina over New Jersey.  The lone series that went six was Toronto over Ottawa.  

At the time of this posting (through Monday night) the second round looks like this in the West:  Dallas is up 2-1 on Winnipeg and Edmonton is up 3-1 on Las Vegas.  In the East:  Toronto and Florida are tied 2-1 and Carolina is up 3-1 on Washington. Washington came into the playoffs as the #1 team in the East, they've not played like it whatsoever.  There have been no sweeps thus far and based on the competition we've seen, I'm not sure that we will.  The play has been sensational.  Big comebacks and huge late goals have been the spice of the 2025 playoffs.  The biggest was the Vegas goal with .4 seconds left by Reilly Smith to seal a 4-3 win.  Dallas has also been on a hot streak riding the heroics of Mikko Rantanen. Over the last six games, Rantanen has scored 9 goals and has 8 assists.  His play alone is leading the Stars to a Stanley Cup run.  They'll have to beat #1 rated team in the West, Winnipeg, to do that.  Mikko's name is derived from the Hebrew name, Michael, meaning "Who is like God"?  If Rantanen leads Dallas back to the finals, somewhere they haven't been since 2020, they might very well start calling him that. 

What has been most noticeable is the number of games won by the road team.  The "roadie" is winning at a 60% rate this season making home not the "place to be" especially in a Game 7.  

It's still early yet, but I am leaning towards the Florida Panthers to repeat.  They are so talented, play really "heavy" hockey.  They are big and are very, very physical.  And they have one of the best in the nets, Sergei Bobrovsky.

Will the Panthers do a repeat? 

   

The team with the longest active Stanley Cup drought is the Toronto Maple Leads, currently at 57 years since their last championship in 1967 before the NHL's first expansion era.  But hey, their still in it.  They're due for that sad stat to end.  My dark horse is the Edmonton Oilers.  They got a shutout from backup Calvin Skinner Monday night in a 3-0 game with the Golden Knights.  If Edmonton gets starting goalie Calvin Pickard back for game five it might signal the end for Las Vegas. (UPDATE): Pickard is out for the rest of the series

The NBA has been equally tantalizing.  If you're a favorite look again, especially in the East.  New York has given the Boston Celtics all they've wanted. They're now up 3-1 after winning Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.  And to make matters worse, star Jason Tatum went down with an ankle injury no doubt putting him out for the next game at minimum (UPDATE): Tatum ruptured his Achilles and is done for the year.  The Indianapolis Pacers have done the same as they've not only beaten Cleveland, but they've also humiliated them.  The 20-point win they had Sunday night wasn't even that close.  It was a 41-point difference at the half.  The Pacers could be a tough out for either the Knicks or Celtics.  Tyrese Haliburton has been the catalyst for their stunning play.  The Pacers had 14 less wins on the season to Cleveland's 64.  The Knicks had ten less than Boston.  So much for the regular season, as I said earlier.     

Out West, top-seeded Oklahoma City has had more than it bargained for against the tough-minded Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets were the #4 seed going in with 18 less wins than OKC. At present, that series is tied 2-2. The other matchup featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State has been somewhat interesting. The Warriors stole a game in Minneapolis but couldn't use that momentum to maintain their edge.  The Wolves win on Saturday night 102-97 and Monday night 117-110 might very well have put them closer to advancing to the Finals for another straight season.  Anthony Edwards has risen to the top of his game.  Seth Curry's injury most likely has ended any chances the Warriors have.  

So, enjoy the remaining playoffs.  There are no doubt going to be some more spectacular games fueled by some of the best athletes in the world.  We'll find out who has the best team to win on the road.  That's where the Champions are going to come from.   

Just think, NFL camps begin in July.  It'll be here before you know it.  

  

   

SHOOT YOURSELVES IN THE FOOT WHY DON'T YOU WNBA

Several weeks ago, I blogged about the officiating in the WNBA and how that might be a real detriment to the success of the league. Now, I'm not so sure.  

Paige Bueckers was crowned as the No. 1 choice in the 2025 WNBA Draft.  She is now endearing herself to the WNBA community in the worse way possible.  

John Simmons of OutKick shares a little of his reasoning on the subject.  "Bueckers has kept busy in the time leading up to her first rookie season, making several media appearances and doing interviews with large publications, one of which was TIME magazine.  Heck I didn't even know TIME was still in production!  In the interview, she apologized for something that doesn't exist and something that she doesn't have, white privilege.  Evidently, she believes that such privilege has been a massive contributor to her rise to stardom, and that Black players still don't get enough coverage".

"There's white privilege every single day that I see", she continued when asked about her own success.  "I feel like I've worked extremely hard, blessed by God, but do I think there's more opportunities for me?  I feel like even just marketability, people tend to favor white people, white males, white woman.  I think it should be equal opportunity, I feel like there is privilege to what I have and to what all white people have.  I recognized that, I want to counteract that with the way I go about my business".    

A No. 1 pick with a lot to learn

    

Simmons continues, "this is a tired and old narrative, and so it the assumption that white athletes-Bueckers or anyone else -are famous because of their skin color.  If it feels like we've heard this from a WNBA player before, it's because we have.  This league and some of the media that cover it, have an incredible way of shaming white players for their success.  They did it to Caitlin Clark in her rookie season".  

Let's look at the NBA for a minute.  The top white players in the league are Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Chet Holmgren, Tyler Herro and Domantas Sabonis.   The first two are at the head of the class.  They've been successful, Jokic more so that Doncic, but still, they are making millions of dollars.  They are popular and they share the spotlight in the league with the likes of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and the like.  There is no infighting.  No black versus white issue.  

Back to the WNBA.  Its black women headed by Aja Wilson, Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas and Dijonai Carrington who not only want their "piece", but they are also actually willing to let a product be taken down to prove their point. In fact, this attitude is really becoming a joke.  

The upcoming season in the WNBA could be one of the more exciting in league history.  There are any numbers of teams that could win the Championship.  It will be interesting to see the over-hatred of white players when Clark rolls out her wingers for this year, Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham.  Both white, blonde dead eyes.  But then what?  Before next season there will be one ugly contract negotiation.  The salary cap is projected to be $1,552,300 with a team minimum of $1,299,240.  Think the players are going to want their "piece"? And that doesn't include a $2.2 billion media rights deal to begin in 2026.    

2025 will be a season to watch in the WNBA.  I don't see smooth sailing on the horizon beyond that.  And for that matter, I don't see Paige Bueckers making the big imprint Clark did last year. She's not the offensive threat that Clark is.  And I have questions on how she'll handle the physical play in the league.  Caitlin was a generational player and a generational marketer.  That's why the league is where it us today.   

If players, black and white would realize what's at stake, there could be a real giant in the offing.  There needs to be some black leadership who brings the two factions together.  At present, I don't see anyone matching that description.   

I have my doubts on the future of the WNBA, and that's not even thinking about the officiating any more.....  

WALT JOCKETTY WAS A MAN MEANT TO LEAD A BASEBALL TEAM

 I was just talking with a St. Louis Cardinal friend of mine on Thursday about the time I spent with Walt Jocketty, one of the better General Managers in club history.  And then Saturday morning I wake up to the news that Walt had passed away on Friday at the age of 74.  It was his birthday.  A lung transplant finally did him in.  To say I was shocked was an understatement.  Let me tell you a little about the man that I sat across from in the late 70's into March of 1980 at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines.    

Walt was the Public Relations Director, and I was the Promotions dude.  We spent a lot of time bantering back and forth about players in the White Sox farm system.  The Iowa Oaks that we worked for was the Triple A affiliate for the Sox.  Walt knew the club inside and out and the strengths and weaknesses of the players that made up their system.  We were fortunate to see Harold Baines at an early age before he was called up to the big club.  And we had the distinction of working with Tony La Russa, one of the better managers in baseball history.  LaRussa was called up two thirds of the way through the 1979 season at the age of 34 and being the youngest manager in major league baseball history.  

It was early in 1980, and spring training was in high gear.  And so were comings and goings in the baseball world.  Walt got wind of an opening in the Oakland A's farm system.  He called a long time scout in the White Sox front office by the name of Paul Richards.  Jocketty boldly asked Richards if he would recommend him for the job.  Richards did without hesitation.  One day after asking Richards, Walt received a phone call from A's owner Charlie Finley.  "Walt, I've heard great things about you.  We have an opening for the Director of Minor League Operations.  Are you interested?", the cantankerous owner asked Walt.  "I sure am", Walt replied.  "Okay then, let me know by tomorrow if your wife is on board.  There's only one thing.  You need to be here in Arizona by the weekend, or the job is going to someone else", Finley stated.  It was Tuesday.  Not only did he have to give Finley his answer he had to be in Arizona by Saturday.  He had little time to waste.  And to think he got the job sight unseen!

Walt called me and asked me what he should do.  "I said, dude, what an opportunity for you.  Billy Martin is the manager.  B I L L Y  fricking M A R T I N.  And they got some young rookie named Rickie Henderson.  Do it", I yelled.  

And of course, he did, and the rest is history as they say.   

       

A baseball man inside and out

Jocketty directed the Oakland Athletics' farm system in the 1980's, helping the team win three pennants and the 1989 World Series title.  As the St. Louis Cardinals general manager from 1994 to 2007, he built two more World Series teams and added another title in 2006.  Then, as Cincinnati's top baseball man from 2008 to 2016, he led the Reds to the playoffs three times.    

Check out the players he drafted or acquired while the Cardinals GM.  Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Mark McGwire, Adam Wainright, Chris Carpenter, David Eckstein, Jason Isringhausen, Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen.  That's a man with an eye for talent and a vision to what it takes to win. 

One of the best comments on Walt's impact came from Sandy Alderson, a man Jocketty worked for in the 80's and 90's in Oakland.  "He was thoughtful and process-oriented, didn't do anything precipitously and had tremendous common and baseball sense".   

I had great fun with Walt.  I recall the days in the offices of Sec Taylor where we had newspaper stuck in holes in the walls of the old-time metal shells to keep warm.  Those were the sacrifice days.  I'm happy to say he made it.  Big Time.  RIP, my man.

ARE SPORTS VILLIANS WORSE THAN THEY USED TO BE?

We all like lists, right?  Like who's your favorite ballplayer, the prettiest woman in the world, the best band ever, your all-time apostle or the top sports villains of yesteryear.  For this argument, let's stay connected with sports.   

The actual term, "sports villains" comes from a group of athletes or individuals, who, due to their actions or character, become highly disliked by fans and evoke a strong negative reaction.  I came across a top twenty of some of the best that was offered in 2018 by Amber Lee.  You might recognize some of the names, others might not even register with you.  Drum roll, please, in a countdown beginning with #20.    

20.  Bobby Knight-ornery Indiana and Texas Tech basketball coach who hated most people

19. Skip Bayless-sportswriter of yesterday and today known for his outspokenness

18. Sean Avery-former hockey agitator 

17.  James Harrison-dirty football lineman from the Pittsburgh Steeler era

16.  Miami Heat-James, Wade and Bosh.  Need I say more 

15.  New England Patriots-enough said 

14. Pete Rose-baseball's all-time hit king and stinker

13.  Barry Bonds-"cheat" is his middle name or "dopey" 

12.  Terrell Owens-the one and only WR

11. Don Sterling-sports owner with no brains, only money

10.  John Rocker-former baseball loudmouth

9.  Marty McSorley-another hockey fighter  

8.  Sherwood Blount Jr.-caused the crash at SMU with cheating allegations

7.  Albert Haynesworth-a big, big man with an attitude in the NFL

6.  Latrell Sprewell-once choked his coach in practice.  Nice

5.  Floyd Mayweather Jr.-great fighter with loose lips 

4.  Bobby Petrino-college football coach with no morales

3.  Tonya Harding-if you can beat 'em, beat 'em up

2.  Ty Cobb-a baseball player of the past who let nothing get in his way

1.  Don King-boxing's all-time promoter and cheater

A villain unlike any other

So, I look at that list and I see some "villains".  There are some real doozies.  But I'm not sure that in the 7 years since Ms. Lee put this list together, that there aren't some names that could be replaced with some of the worst the sports world has to offer. 

Let's start with the #1 most repulsive, conceited one on the planet, Angel Reese.  Not only has she vaulted to number one, but she's done it by being the #1 whiner, too.  It's like she wants to have this swagger to set herself apart, that is, until criticism comes her way.  If anyone could take down the WNBA, it would be Reese.  Her lack of sense will put the league in a horrific situation come next year when a new contract is negotiated with the players.  You can bet her mouth will be at the front of it.

Here are a few more that have to be on any current villain list.  UCONN Head Basketball Coach Danny Hurley, South Carolina Head Women's Basketball Coach Dawn Staley, ESPN's Steven A. Smith, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, the Dodgers, LeBron James, O.J. Simpson who murdered his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman in 1994, Aaron Hernandez who was convicted of murdering his friend, Odin Lloyd in 2013 and Rae Carruth.  Who's he, you ask? 

Rae played for in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers.  He got his girlfriend pregnant, then proceeded to conspire to have her murdered in 2001.  The name Cherica Adams might not mean much to many, but her loss was devasting. The baby, named Chancellor Lee Adams, survived, but suffered permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy as a result of being without oxygen for 70 minutes before he was born.  Chancellor graduated high school in 2021 despite some real tough struggles.   Ms. Lee should have had Carruth on her list.    

Carruth was released from prison in 2018.  Want a poster man or woman (not child) of a villain?  It doesn't get any more disgusting than that.     

NFL DRAFT RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

 It seems like it's been forever since the Super Bowl in February.  Sure, we had the Scouting Combine in late February and early March.  But still, it seems like it's been FOR....EVER.....

And now, after hundreds of thousands of mock drafts, we are on the verge of the NFL Draft.  Next Thursday night in Green Bay we will see round 1 of three days of job placements for prospective football players. The mysteries will be forthcoming.  Some people's treasures will be others trash, so to speak. 

I've always loved this event.  In my younger days, I would buy a myriad of newspapers and magazines that could provide me insight into each player's potential and the round they might be drafted.  I'd hole up in my basement believing I was an NFL draft consultant.  As a huge Chicago Bear fan, I used to run every possible scenario as to who I'd see joining the roster.  It took me a couple of years to master what to look for and analyze team needs and contracts that players were under.  I'd look at the mock drafts of the kings, dudes like the Mel Kiper and Todd McShay's of the world, the so-called experts.  Sooner rather than later, I figured my abilities were as good as theirs in judging who would draft who.  So many times, it looked like their mocks were full of guesses rather than logical choices.   Such will be the case again in 2025.  

The #1 choice this year, without question, will be Cam Akers.  The Tennessee Titans simply need an overhaul at quarterback and the Miami (FL.) product should be one to turn the keys over to.  He's a smooth player who should help the Titans move up the ladder in the AFC South.  The next selection is where things immediately get interesting.  I don't see the Cleveland Browns keeping the pick and taking Penn State DE Abdul Carter.  They have to get a QB.  I do see Carter going second though.  DeShaun Watson and Joe Flacco are not the answers for the Browns.  They have a very good defense they need to focus on the offensive side of the ball.  So, I sense a trade down where they can still draft Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and pick up a number of other picks where they can boost their run game and perhaps add another wide receiver.   The next one off the board has to be Travis Hunter, also from Colorado.  He's as a unique player as we've seen in the draft in years.  He could be all-Pro at either defensive back or wide receiver.  He's that good.  New England has to make a run for him.  

Warren could be an absolute stud 

#5 through #10 is an area where a number of trades could take place.  Names like DT Mason Graham of Michigan, TE Tyler Warren of Penn State, T Will Campbell of LSU, DE Jalon Walker of Georgia and RB Ashton Jeanty are the cream of the top choices.  After them, things are a little murkier as these five are clearly in demand.  It could be the Wild West when it comes to this part of the draft,   

Warren is my favorite.  I would love to see new Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson add this super talented player to his offense.  Warren caught 104 balls this past year for 1,233 yards and 8 TD's and ran for additional 218 yards an 8.4 average and scored four more.  He would be a nightmare.  I wouldn't be disappointed if Chicago were to find Jeanty available at number 10 and they add him to their run game.  Or they could go with best player available and draft Campbell the offensive tackle.   

Although I've mentioned some of the top players above, where a team clearly improves their roster is on Day 3.  Don't be disappointed of your team not drafting a player you clearly desire.  It could be contract demands of one player forces them to alter their draft focus. 

 Yes, the draft is right around the corner.  Feeling anxious, nervous, giddy?  You're not alone.  It's not quite Christmas, but's it's close.   

Get Prepared....are you ready for some Football?  Perhaps I can be of assistance.  Grab a picture of Commissioner Roger Goodell and toss some boo's at it.  That should help! 

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL, WHO HAS MADE THE GREATEST PORTAL HAUL?

This is going to be a tricky post.  Whatever I lay down as text could change drastically in the next few minutes, hours or days.  That's how hard it's going to be to assess the portal winners and for that fact, the losers, in Men's and Women's College Basketball.  A roster can change that quick.  

Let's take a look at the portal euphoria.  Over 1,600 players put their names "in" in the first two weeks of eligibility.  Mostly because it became important for schools and players to make difficult choices as soon as possible so that they could have their commitments ready while NIL money was still available.  Once revenue sharing kicks in, if in fact it does, things will take other forms of change.  We just can't wait, right?  Think if you were a college coach and trying to figure out your roster for 2025-26.  Good luck!!  

The early team winners include Louisville (3 commits), Michigan (2), Arizona State (2), Baylor (3), Saint John's (2), Creighton (3), Iowa (5), Iowa State (3) and possibly Indiana (2).  TCU is no doubt lurking in the woods as they have seemingly found an unlimited amount of money for basketball (both men's and women's) and football.  

Here are the names of the top players moving on:  

1. Bennett Stirtz (Drake → Iowa) 

2. Donovan Dent (New Mexico → UCLA)

3. Morez Johnson (Illinois → Michigan) 

4. Oscar Cluff (South Dakota State → Purdue)

5. Nick Davidson (Nevada → Clemson)

6. Malik Reneau (Indiana → Miami)

7. Tucker DeVries (West Virginia → Indiana)

8. Dailyn Swain (Xavier → Texas)

9. Owen Freeman (Iowa → Creighton)

10. Ryan Conwell (Xavier → Louisville)

11. Tre Donaldson (Michigan → Miami)

12. Silas Demary Jr (Georgia → Connecticut)

13. Quimari Peterson (East Tennessee State → Washington)

14. Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina → Michigan)

15. Keyshawn Hall (UCF → Auburn)

16. Michael Rataj (Oregon State → Baylor)

17. Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State → Louisville)

18. Blake Buchanan (Virginia → Iowa State)

19. Moe Odum (Pepperdine → Arizona State)

20. Izaiyah Nelson (Arkansas State → South Florida)

21. Joson Sanon (Arizona State → Saint John's)

22. Brock Harding (Iowa → TCU)

23. Nate Kingz (Oregon State → Syracuse)

24. Michael Nwoko (Mississippi State → LSU)

25. Paul Otieno (Quinnipiac → Saint Louis)

26. Kaleb Banks (Tulane → DePaul)

27. Obi Agbim (Wyoming → Baylor)

28. Adam Clark (Merrimack → Seton Hall)

29. Joseph Pinion (Arkansas State → South Florida)

30. Cam Manyawu (Drake → Iowa)

31. Marcus Adams Jr (Cal State Northridge → Arizona State)

32. Nik Graves (Charlotte → Creighton)

33. Bryce Hopkins (Providence → Saint John's)

34. JJ White (Omaha → Baylor)

35. Evan Mahaffey (Ohio State → Akron)

The losers???  For certain teams like Robert Morris, Indiana, Maryland, Iowa and West Virginia experienced significant roster losses.  Some lost entire starting lineups or key players.  Others like Kansas are facing pivotal off-season's with key departures.  

The Women's game is no different. Over 1,200 players entered their names. There will some teams that look decidedly different in 2025-26. Notre Dame lost star guard Olivia Miles most likely to TCU.  The Fighting Irish have also lost other key personnel.  Head coach, Niele Ivey will have her work cut out for her.  Sounds like the Irish should now be called the In-Fighting Irish.  Super star Hannah Hidalgo is reportedly the issue as her attitude has affected team morale and her stardom seems to have caused friction within the ranks.  USC will have a battle to remain competitive in the Big Ten.  The Trojans lost JuJu Watkins for next season due to her ACL injury, but they also lost Avery Howell, a terrific freshman sharpshooter to the portal.  Early reports have her heading to Washington or Iowa.  Early leaders in the team portal race show Mississippi, Louisville and Miami (FL) leading the pack.  Losers????  Florida State, Penn State and Arizona.

Top hot nugget Latson 

The top nugget that hasn't declared yet is Ta' Niya Latson of Florida State, the leading scorer in the country this past year with 25.2 points per game.  South Carolina lean or USC?  Perhaps....One player I really like is the double-double forward Serah Williams out of Wisconsin.  She'd be a perfect complement to Iowa's Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden and give the Hawkeyes a force on the boards and defensively.   And not to be forgotten is Ohio State's Cotie McMahon.  Not sure why anyone would want to add that selfish cancer to their locker room.  One program that comes to mind is LSU.  A perfect marriage.  

While this is an exciting time as teams hope to boost their roster, it's also a difficult one.  It wouldn't take much for a player to feel recruited over and look to move on at the first opportunity.  Yes, that's what we're in now, a time of opportunity.  Who's going to make money (as a player) and who's going to spend (as a team).   

The Men's dead period ends on April 11th, the Women's on April 8th.  Players can travel and meet with teams face to face to decide their fate beginning then.   Get ready.  There's more to come. 

So, mirror, mirror on the wall...  How is this portal thing going to play out?  Can you share your knowledge with us?  Heck, I don't think you even know. 

And you're supposed to know everything.