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SPORTS EQUIVALENT – JAY-Z

In Edmond Easton Jr. on December 22, 2008 at 1:33 AM

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Jay-Z’s MLB Equivalent: Derek Jeter
The choice for this sport was very difficult especially with some of the similarities between Jay and the players in the game. Jeter stands out as a match for his winning attitude and swagger in which he plays the game with almost intimidating to pitchers when at the plate as he is never afraid to crowd the plate and take one for the team. Jay-Z has done the same when battling rival MC’s working his way up to the status he is now and never backing down from opponents as they try to lyrically out do him. I guess you can say a pitcher like Roy Halladay is what Jim Jones is to Jay-Z?   
 
Jay-Z’s NBA Equivalent: Lebron James
I would have to be living under a rock for the past 5 years to not be able to see the equivalency of these two titans. Ever since Lebron came out and said that he was a big fan of Jay-Z it has been a very interesting friendship that has caught the attention of both sports and music fans alike. James has been seen in several games holding up the Rocafella Records signature hand sign after big plays in respect to the hip hop legend. Jay-Z has returned the favor by having James’s back when it comes to his issues with rival players even if it is in the form of a song. Besides the money and fame each has accumulated during their careers their most obvious equivalence could be in 2009? I mean isn’t Brooklyn still New York any way?    
 
Jay-Z’s NFL Equivalent: Al Davis
Ok so maybe Jay-Z is not in his seventies but he still has a lot in common with longtime Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. Davis’s unquenchable thirst for winning has been his trademark as he will do anything necessary to win and will not care about the criticism. He has been attacked in the media by former players and coaches for his decisions but nevertheless still continues to make moves without any regrets. Jay-Z has been criticized plenty of times by former artists that worked for him under Def Jam and still continued to go on with his plan. This head strong stubborn attitude and desire to be the best makes these two more of a match then an odd couple.
 
Jay-Z’s NHL Equivalent: Sean Avery
This equivalence may be a little surprising to some but not those who really know the two individuals lifestyles. On Sports Center recently Avery did an interview and discussed his fascination with fashion and how he enjoys designing quite the opposite of what his hardcore hockey style shows on the ice. Jay-Z has been a co owner of his own clothing line and has been a trend setter of style in many communities whether it is Yankee fitted caps or collared button down shirts he has the ability to still be viewed as both a fashion icon and a hardcore rap artist. These two are examples of why you cannot tell a book by its cover no matter how fashionable it may be.


TOP 5: How To Get Lions Fans Back!

In Edmond Easton Jr. on December 15, 2008 at 1:33 AM

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            Monday December 15th was the 73rd anniversary of the Detroit Lions winning the 1935 NFL championship defeating the New York Giants 26 to 7 at the University of Detroit Stadium. It is almost impossible to believe that the now lowly Lions were once of the NFL’s elite as they are currently 0-14 facing the dubious distinction of being the second win less team in NFL history. The loss at the Colts 31 to 21 was just yet another tally in the loss column and strike to the hearts of many Detroit fans who are forced to find every week a reason to root for their home town football team. I have taken the liberty to come up with some ideas that may help salvage fans this season for the Lions and possibly bring even more in before the year is out.
 
5. Take Weekly Bets On Who Starts At QB – Its a crap shoot every week and it may draw the average gambler to some games. 
 
4. Coach For The Day – A raffle for fans to win and be coach for a day since it worked in the movie “Eddie” why not now.
 
3. Matt Millen Appreciation Day – Allow fans to enter the stadium and toss balls in hopes of dunking a mascot version of Matt Millen
 
2. Pick The Future Contest – At halftime have fans vote on who the Lions should take with the number one pick and the highest voted player will be chosen just like “American Idol”
 
1. Barry Is Back! – A publicity stunt where Barry Sanders comes out of retirement to start at running back for one game.


Rosters Announced For The 2008 E.I.S. (Everyone Is Special) Baseball All-Star Game

In Edmond Easton Jr. on July 7, 2008 at 7:58 PM
         It’s that time again America where you pick who will misrepresent each league during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium. I honestly don’t know what is the worst part about this selection process is it the fact that any jacka** that knows nothing about baseball can vote or that the game must have an equal representation from every team (yes even the Nationals) to be displayed in front of nation wide audience on July 15th.

      The game also once again has its intriguing (sarcasim) stipulation of for whatever team that wins the game will have home field throughout the World Series for their perspective league. In case you were not thrilled enough with “the best players in the world” you will be excited by the over extensive coverage of FOX as they will give you pre game epic stories about Yankee Stadium as if we did not already know many of these stories (The YES Network does that every day). I’m already anxious to see the various camera shots of fans,players and blimps in between every pitch, hell you can even bring out the damn robots from the NFL broadcasts. In closing my rant was fueled by the failed attempts baseball has had with trying to both make the game more exciting and fair. In my opinion the idea of being successful with both ideas is stupid and the league should just pick one and stand sternly by it like the other leagues do without seeming so open to change at everyone’s mood. People will change their minds every year about something just to whine about something else and if you don’t believe that Bud Selig is soft and insecure just stay tuned this august for instant replay (so much for the past time and tradition).

* All Rosters as of 7/7/08

AMERICAN LEAGUE ROSTER

STARTERS
POS PLAYER TEAM ALL-STAR APPEARANCES
C Joe Mauer Minnesota 2
1B Kevin Youkilis Boston 1
2B Dustin Pedroia Boston 1
3B Alex Rodriguez New York 12
SS Derek Jeter New York 9
OF Josh Hamilton Texas 1
OF Manny Ramirez Boston 12
OF Ichiro Suzuki Seattle 8
DH # David Ortiz Boston 5
PITCHERS
POS PLAYER TEAM ALL-STAR APPEARANCES
RHP @Justin Duchscherer Oakland 2
RHP Roy Halladay Toronto 5
LHP Scott Kazmir Tampa Bay 2
LHP Cliff Lee Cleveland 1
RHP @Joe Nathan Minnesota 3
RHP Jonathan Papelbon Boston 3
RHP Mariano Rivera New York 9
RHP Francisco Rodriguez Los Angeles 3
RHP Ervin Santana Los Angeles 1
LHP Joe Saunders Los Angeles 1
LHP @George Sherrill Baltimore 1
RHP @Joakim Soria Kansas City 1
RESERVES
POS PLAYER TEAM ALL-STAR APPEARANCES
C @Dioner Navarro Tampa Bay 1
C Jason Varitek Boston 3
1B Justin Morneau Minnesota 2
2B Ian Kinsler Texas 1
SS Michael Young Texas 5
3B Joe Crede Chicago 1
3B @Carlos Guillen Detroit 3
OF J.D. Drew Boston 1
OF Carlos Quentin Chicago 1
OF Grady Sizemore Cleveland 3
DH Milton Bradley Texas 1
# — won’t play due to injury (Note: Bradley replacing Ortiz as starting DH)
* — named as injury replacement
NATIONAL LEAGUE ROSTERSTARTERS
POS PLAYER TEAM ALL-STAR APPEARANCES
C Geovany Soto Chicago 1
1B Lance Berkman Houston 5
2B Chase Utley Philadelphia 3
3B Chipper Jones Atlanta 6
SS Hanley Ramirez Florida 1
OF Ryan Braun Milwaukee 1
OF Alfonso Soriano Chicago 7
OF Kosuke Fukudome Chicago 1
PITCHERS
POS PLAYER TEAM ALL-STAR APPEARANCES
RHP @Aaron Cook Colorado 1
RHP Ryan Dempster Chicago 2
RHP @Dan Haren Arizona 2
RHP Brad Lidge Philadelphia 2
RHP Tim Lincecum San Francisco 1
RHP Ben Sheets Milwaukee 4
RHP Edinson Volquez Cincinnati 1
LHP @Billy Wagner New York 6
RHP Brandon Webb Arizona 3
RHP Brian Wilson San Francisco 1
RHP Kerry Wood Chicago 2
RHP @Carlos Zambrano CHC 3
RESERVES
POS PLAYER TEAM ALL-STAR APPEARANCES
C Russell Martin Los Angeles 2
C @Brian McCann Atlanta 3
1B Adrian Gonzalez San Diego 1
1B @Albert Pujols St. Louis 7
2B Dan Uggla Florida 1
3B Aramis Ramirez Chicago 2
SS @Cristian Guzman Washington 2
SS Miguel Tejada Houston 5
OF Matt Holliday Colorado 3
OF Ryan Ludwick St. Louis 1
OF Nate McLouth Pittsburgh 1
# — won’t play due to injury
* — named as injury replacement


Knicks Pick A Rooster!

In Edmond Easton Jr. on July 1, 2008 at 9:52 PM

          Danilo Gallinari or as he is best known in Italy as “The Rooster” was the number six pick in this year’s NBA Draft. As Gallinari being a international player many fans in the united states have not heard of him thus leading to the now annual undercard event to the draft of Knicks fans booing the team’s selection. The negative response of the crowd however did not rattle the 19 year old as he was supposedly warned beforehand by his father and new Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni.

 

        The link between Gallinari and D’Antoni had been strong even before this draft’s workouts as D’Antoni wasa teammate and is friends with Gallinari’s father for years in Italy. This connection can mean one of two things as the reason for this draft pick as either being because D’Antoni has full knowledge of the skills that Gallinari posses and this may be a steal or he is just being a good friend and paying off an old debt (hey its the knicks anything is possible). The skills of Gallinari have been constantly hyped to make him appear as the next big thing to ever come from overseas and possibly be the savior for a franchise. It is amazing how the supposed “international experts” always seem to forget that yes even though most international players are incredible on the offensive end are still below average defenders and most have never played against the athleticism of the players that star here in America. I’ve been skeptical with international players since in my opinion its nothing more than a flip of a coin as to whether the player will be a star because to every Dirk Nowitzki there is a Frederic Weis (the knicks drafted him too).

            D’Antoni has made a stand in trying to do whatever it takes to change this decrepit franchise and hopefully garner its 1st winning season in 7 years. If Gallinari is not effective from the start we may see many loyal Knicks fans counting down the days until “the mighty” Jay-Z (Hov) brings his Nets to Brooklyn with what they hope his best friend Lebron James (It’s The Roc). It could also be a miracle on 34th street as Gallinari leads the Knicks to NBA glory and uplifts a franchise from jokes and ruin to honor and prestige even leading to a possible Disney movie reenacting the remarkable run (I think Mark Wahlburg will be waiting by the phone for that one) . Either way I hope as a Knicks fan that this guy does make a positive change I mean a year from now inner city kids could be fighting each other over scuffed “Rooster” sneakers than some Jordan’s.(Ha Take That Nelly!)  

 

* Highlights Of Gallinari In Italy


Knicks Hire D’Antoni As New Coach

In Edmond Easton Jr. on May 14, 2008 at 10:19 PM

The Knicks have fianlly made a move and found a new coach!!!! Wait A Minute Thats Not Mark Jackson??????? Here we go again………..

 


Kobe Bryant 2007 – 2008 NBA MVP

In Edmond Easton Jr. on May 7, 2008 at 6:16 PM

The debate is over and the NBA’s Most Valuable Player is Los Angeles Lakers Guard Kobe Bryant. The 29 year old Bryant after 12 seasons in the league won his first MVP beating out New Orleans Hornets Guard Chris Paul. Bryant as shown in this interview is humbled by his first MVP Award and he didn’t even need a rapper to diss opponents on his way to the top.

 

Player Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Pts  
Kobe Bryant LAL 82 32 10 2 0 1105
Chris Paul NO 28 64 32 2 0 889
Kevin Garnett Bos 15 23 56 26 1 670
LeBron James Cle 1 7 28 77 8 438
Dwight Howard Orl 0 0 0 7 39 60
Amaré Stoudemire Phx 0 0 0 3 18 27
Tim Duncan SA 0 0 0 2 19 25
Tracy McGrady Hou 0 0 0 2 13 19
Steve Nash Phx 0 0 0 4 6 18
Manu Ginobili SA 0 0 0 0 9 9
Dirk Nowitzki Dal 0 0 0 0 5 5
Deron Williams Utah 0 0 0 0 4 4
Carmelo Anthony Den 0 0 0 1 0 3
Paul Pierce Bos 0 0 0 0 1 1
Rasheed Wallace Det 0 0 0 0 1 1
Carlos Boozer Utah 0 0 0 0 1 1
Antawn Jamison Was 0 0 0 0 1 1


Big Brown Wins The 134th Kentucky Derby

In Edmond Easton Jr. on May 5, 2008 at 6:53 PM

In the annual running of The Kentucky Derby Big Brown the horse was victorious in taking the first leg of the triple crown. The celebration was dulled by the tragic collapse and euthanization (put to death) of Eight Belles the horse. In this sad situation one can only wonder who had the odds on the horse’s death?


Avery Johnson Out As Mavericks Coach

In Edmond Easton Jr. on May 5, 2008 at 6:09 PM

The interesting tenure of the “Little General” Avery Johnson has come to an end after getting the ax from team owner Mark Cuban. Johnson who took the Mavericks to the playoffs every year as Head Coach will be entertaining offers from possibly the Knicks or Bulls during the summer. I guess for Cuban its back to the dizzingly confusing unpredictable drawing board that does not rule out possibly trading josh howard’s soul for the spirit of Red Aurbech to coach just one more year.


Madden 2009 Trailer

In Edmond Easton Jr. on April 29, 2008 at 3:41 PM

Check out the new trailer for Madden 2009 featuring the new cover boy Brett Favre. Favre is the first non active player to be featured on the cover because of it being the 20th anniversary of the football game’s franchise. I guess Madden felt who better to break the curse then the unbreakable Brett Favre?


Jay-Z & Lebron James VS Soulja Boy & Deshawn Stevenson

In Edmond Easton Jr. on April 28, 2008 at 8:18 PM

      What has the world come to that rappers and basketball players have to team up against each other to prove ignorant supremacy. This should be a lesson to all kids to stay in school and get an education because it is evident by this situation college is not such a bad idea.

* Explicit Language You Have Been Warned*


Did Kobe Really Jump Over The Car?

In Edmond Easton Jr. on April 28, 2008 at 8:06 PM

Does Kobe really defy the rules of gravity in this video and if so should we buy the sneakers? Jordan better start his camera and maintain his status as the #1 reason why high school students can’t afford to pay for the SAT’s.


Death & The Professional Athlete

In Edmond Easton Jr. on March 9, 2008 at 8:34 PM

 

               Today’s professional athlete is often looked at as celebrity by many and for their exploits on the fields or courts immortal. The scratches and bruises sustained by these athletes are on a regular basis and constantly overcoming them are usually what have made them heroes and idols in the minds of many fans. The success however cannot overshadow the reality and tragedies that can occur in the world everyday and how no one is exempt.                

             The recent death of Washington Redskin’s safety Sean Taylor at the age of 24 was a grim reminder to the many the dangers of celebrity. Taylor was shot in his home by suspected burglars of the Florida estate and passed away while in the hospital on December 3rd. The violent death was a shock to the National Football League community as Taylor was in the pro bowl last season after changing his young wild ways for the better. The troubles of Taylor’s past is what many critics say led to his violent death but there is currently no evidence of that being true.                    

            The lives of many athletes in every sport have been less than honorable compared to their on the field performances. The past years have seen several players have run ins with the law including being convicted of murder charges. It is interesting because these players often looked at as role models are notoriously also involved in actions that receive national attention. A classic example of this is with Hall Of Fame running back O.J. Simpson who even though completed a great career still is best known for being acquitted of murder of his wife Anna Nicole Simpson. The court trial made Simpson a household name for something other than football and forever scarred his legacy to the media.                      

              Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis was also convicted of murder several years ago but was found not guilty. He shockingly has been able to rebound from his conviction and heal his image to become one football’s greatest linebackers ever. It is interesting to note that even though he was acquitted like Simpson Lewis still has received praise in the media even gracing the cover of the video game Madden 2005. The lives of both Lewis and Simpson have take very interesting turns and continue to however be known as convicted murderers.                           

                The fortune of being acquitted of murder however did not work for former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth. Carruth was convicted and proven guilty for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend in 1998 and is currently serving time in prison. The actions of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick were consider murder as he led a dog fighting organization at one of his estates. The incident has left the once multimillion dollar image of Vick in Shambles as he is now forced to serve 23 months in prison for the crime. In the case of Vick when he gets out of prison there is no guarantee he will be let back in the league by commissioner Roger Goodell because of his lying to league authorities.  

                           The tragic deaths of players like former Arizona Cardinals player Pat Tillman who lost his life at war in Afghanistan due to friendly fire are shocking and surprising to many fans. Tillman lost his life for a noble cause while protecting the country at war and many people still look to him as a hero and inspiration. Tragic deaths such as the loss of former National Basketball Association player Bobby Phills in a car accident a few years ago for racing leaves many people wondering how and Why?                                 

                       The true answer to why these things happen can never be understood or judged. There is one thing however that can be determined and that is that athletes no matter what sport are still people and should be looked on as such. We should not feel that they will always be perfect like they are playing because everyone knows sooner or later the whistle has to blow.


Juiced

In Edmond Easton Jr. on November 21, 2007 at 5:20 PM

         Barry Bonds

      The days of all stars and hall of famers being judged on pure talent are long gone. Today’s athlete is analyzed based on performance, stats and dosage. As funny as this may sound it is true in the world of sports as performance enhancing drugs have played a big role in the current special moments in sports.             

      Performance enhancing drugs that are not approved by leagues have been banned for years and yet we still have controversies. Many critics say the steroids scandals began with the home run boom of the 1998 Major League Baseball season as numerous players hit over 50 home runs which was before un heard of in the league. The race during that season between Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa is what many people would say brought the fans back to the games. McGuire who broke the record hitting 70 home runs years later was accused along with several major leaguers for taking steroids thus leading him to still be left out of the Hall Of Fame.               

          Since the controversy with McGuire many people have began to speculate athletes that dominate their sports are using performance enhancing drugs. Athletes as prominent as seven time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong have been accused of doping but was never proven to have used any band supplements. The most notorious of the accused athletes is baseball home run king Barry Bonds or should I say Barry (asterisk) Bonds. Bonds has broken more records then anyone since his 73 home run season in 2001 and has been linked to steroids through his suppliers from the company BALCO. Bonds continues to claim his innocence but as every record he breaks down a new speculation builds up.                

          As recent as the sudden confession from gold medal track star Marion Jones has steroids ruled the back pages of newspapers and led most sports broadcasts. The confession from Jones after years of denial is very surprising in deed not the fact that she took the steroids but that she was willing to admit to it to the media. Could it be guilt? A sudden change of heart? Or maybe fear of being exploited by black mail the list can go on and on. It was noble to relinquish the medals she won but still in my opinion not enough if you’re the athlete that trained all your life for the Olympics only to be defeated by someone who could take a needle without flinching


America’s Past Time?

In Edmond Easton Jr. on March 22, 2006 at 5:13 AM

WBC       On March 20th 2006 the championship game of the World BaseballClassic was played. The game was played at Pet Co Park in San Diego, California in front of thousands of fans. The game was played on americansoil but was missing the hosts Team United States.

      

          The game was between Japan and Cuba with Team Japancoming out victorious 10 to 6. A notable player from the champion Japanteam was Ichiro Suzuki a major league star of the Seattle Mariners wasinstrumental in his team winning the gold. Japan dominated the tournamentoffensively leading all the teams in the tournament with a .311 team battingaverage and 10 team home runs. The Japanese are now the first everWorld Baseball Champions as this was the inaguaral tournament.The United States were viewed by many as the favorite towin the tournament but were instead eliminated in the quarterfinals after a loss to Mexico.

           The United States struggled offensively for the mostpart of the tournament, the only exception is the 17 to 0 win against ayoung amatuer South Africa team. The United States also recievedexcellent run support from major league veterans Ken Griffey Jr andDerek Lee who each connected 3 home runs. The rest of the team ecspecially Texas Rangers slugger Mark Tiexera who was unable to record a single hit struggled and it resulted in the 3 loses.

         The United States were also hurt by poor pitchingperformances from left hander Dontrelle Willis of the Florida Marlins.Willis lost both of his starts in the tournament after giving up severalruns in critical situations. Roger Clemens pitched well in the tournamentup until his last start against Mexico as he was on the losing end of theelimination game. That game could possibly be the last time we seethe great future hall of famer Roger Clemens as he is yet to sign witha major league team.

           The United States team now goes it’s seperate ways asthe all star array of players report to spring training with their perspectiveteams. The tournament result may be viewed as a failure by many butsome who were not supporters of the tournament feel it was successful.The non supporters of the classic felt it put the major league players atrisk for injury before the start of the upcoming season. This year theteams were fortunate not to have any significant injuries to report.

            The World Baseball Classic may have varied reactionsamong baseball purists and fans alike. It has however done its job anddisplayed different cultures and talents around the world. The tournamenthas also given the United States a wake up call regarding the fundamentalsof the game it made baseball.