The Rise of Football Sabermetrics?
I don’t hate sabermetrics like some purists do. I think numerical analysis gives scouts, general managers and coaches another tool to evaluate a players potential. Several baseball teams live and die by it. The Boston Red Sox won World Series based on a sabermetrics philosophy. The Oakland Athletics continuously try to build and it they have been moderately successful.
In football, especially the pros, there is a rise in sabermetric stats but mostly it is the province of website weekend warriors. I’ve read various stats on different blogs that try to put a numerical value on a player or team’s production. The writers then try to use the numbers to project a player or team’s future production.
Unlike baseball, I’ve yet to read where scouts and personnel evaluators use the numbers. Scouts and coaches will admit nothing tells more about a player than game day film. So many aspects of football can’t be measured and boiled down to a number.
Combine stats are usually overrated but are gobbled up by fans and the media. Teams are more interested in letting doctors, shrinks and other people interview and examine a player at the Combine. A team already has a pretty good idea of a player’s time and strength numbers. At the Combine, they just want to verify what they already know or start looking at the player’s mental make up. They’ve had a whole college career of game film to study.
College pro days are also vastly overrated. Teams show up not to see the star players trying out but to take a look at other players that didn’t get a combine invite. Media and fans fawned over Colt McCoy’s perfect or near perfect completion rate at the Longhorn’s pro day. Coaches and scouts could have cared less. He was throwing in a controlled environment to his own receivers and not chased by a certain Nebraska defensive tackle. The game film of McCoy’s years as the Texas start will weigh more than all the stats of pro days and combines one can imagine.
The same was said of Tim Tebow’s throwing transformation after he changed his mechanics. Other than Josh McDaniels, no one was buying it. I read a quote in Pro Football Weekly from Mike Holmgren in which basically he said it is one thing to change mechanics but he feared Tebow would revert to old habits during game pressure in the NFL. He played one style his career at Florida and he can’t change easily in on off season. Yet McDaniels is banking on it. I’m guessing McDaniels will be unemployed in two seasons.
I just don’t see a switch to a numbers based scouting system in the NFL. There are just to many variables that go into evaluating a player. No one system will be able to capture what coaches are looking for. I’m not saying it can’t be done. Somebody might come up with a few stats that teams can use to filter out players and make the process more efficient. However, I don’t think football scouting will ever be replaced by a numbers game. Sometimes there is just as much art as science to evaluating a player.
Friday, May 7, 2010
LT's Off the Field Problems Continue
Lawrence Taylor, one of the fiercest linebackers in the NFL who, along with Mike Singletary, revolutionized the position. He played a remarkable career.
Unfortunately, LT (sorry younger fans but there is only one LT and it's Lawrence Taylor) also leaves a trail of off the field issues. Included in his off field incidences are drug and tax evasion charges. Taylor had a well documented drug problem.
Sadly, Taylor is facing more off field allegations. The latest alleges that Taylor solicited a prostitute a middle man. The prostitute supposedly is a 16 year old runaway. Taylor paid $300 for the girls. When she refused, her alleged pimp Rasheed Davis beat her and gave her over to Taylor. He allegedly proceeded to sexually assault the girl.
According the ESPN.com story, Taylor was quoted as saying "I'm not that important" to the reporters gathered around after his release. I find may problems with that statement. In typical ego fashion, Taylor believes all the media reporters are around cause of him. They are but the story isn't all about him. There is a young girl who may have caused physical and mental damage. His apparent attempt at self deprecation falls short. While not out right joking, it's very obvious the severity hasn't set in. His comments can almost be taken as "It's no big deal." Yes, Taylor, it is a big deal.
I'm not passing judgment yet but it doesn't look good for LT. Sexual assault is abhorrent on anyone. No person or child should ever be subjected to it. If reports are true, Taylor was hell bent on having sex and he didn't care with who. He allegedly paid someone $300 to buy him a girl. The pimp allegedly beat her when she refused. Taylor still took her after she refuse and was then beaten. You're right LT, your not that important. The young girl you allegedly assaulted is important though. Check your ego please.
Unfortunately, LT (sorry younger fans but there is only one LT and it's Lawrence Taylor) also leaves a trail of off the field issues. Included in his off field incidences are drug and tax evasion charges. Taylor had a well documented drug problem.
Sadly, Taylor is facing more off field allegations. The latest alleges that Taylor solicited a prostitute a middle man. The prostitute supposedly is a 16 year old runaway. Taylor paid $300 for the girls. When she refused, her alleged pimp Rasheed Davis beat her and gave her over to Taylor. He allegedly proceeded to sexually assault the girl.
According the ESPN.com story, Taylor was quoted as saying "I'm not that important" to the reporters gathered around after his release. I find may problems with that statement. In typical ego fashion, Taylor believes all the media reporters are around cause of him. They are but the story isn't all about him. There is a young girl who may have caused physical and mental damage. His apparent attempt at self deprecation falls short. While not out right joking, it's very obvious the severity hasn't set in. His comments can almost be taken as "It's no big deal." Yes, Taylor, it is a big deal.
I'm not passing judgment yet but it doesn't look good for LT. Sexual assault is abhorrent on anyone. No person or child should ever be subjected to it. If reports are true, Taylor was hell bent on having sex and he didn't care with who. He allegedly paid someone $300 to buy him a girl. The pimp allegedly beat her when she refused. Taylor still took her after she refuse and was then beaten. You're right LT, your not that important. The young girl you allegedly assaulted is important though. Check your ego please.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
NFL Overtime Rule, Clarification of Networks Paying NFL in Work Stoppage
The NFL Overtime Rule Change
I wrote in a previous post that I somewhat like the playoff overtime rule change that it didn’t go far enough.
My biggest problem with the change is that teams are playing under a different set of rules in the post season. In the regular season, a coin toss, field position and a kick can win a game. In the post season it won’t. Why different criteria for overtime playoff wins?
I do think the change is a step in the right direction but it needs to extend to regular season and tweaked some more.
At the very least, both teams should be given one possession and a chance to win the game. Regardless of a first possession touchdown, let the other team get a shot at winning the game.
I find one possible change interesting. I would allow a sudden death one possession victory under one circumstance. The current playoff rule will allow a one possession win if a team scores a TD. I say take the one possession rule one step further. A TD alone doesn’t warrant a victory. I propose changing the rule to allowing a sudden death victory only if a TD and successful two point conversion are scored.
A missed two point attempt leaves a six point lead and allows the second team a shot at winning with a TD and one point conversion. I think it is a simple tweak that would make for more interesting finishes. A coach could gamble to seal the deal on a two pointer or play it safe and go for one. It’s a high risk but high reward scenario. If after one possession for each team then the game reverts to sudden death on any score. Even if a team fails to score the two points, they still maintain the advantage and can win the game with a defensive stop.
The downside is given the conservative nature of most coaches the two point conversion may never come into play.
I’m just throwing out some food for thought.
NFL Network Money and Work Stoppage
In Pro Football Weekly’s April 2010 issue, Barry Jackson quotes a network source about television money paid to the NFL in the even of a work stoppage. The source confirmed that the networks will pay the league but the amount of payments will be deducted from any money due once play starts up again.
Basically the networks will advance money to the NFL during a strike/lockout situation to help clubs keep in operations. Despite the stoppage, bills continue to accrue like stadium maintenance, staff payroll and other organizational needs. The money just comes out of the next year’s network payments.
Good to hear that cleared up. I know the networks pay out megabucks to the NFL for broadcast rights. However the payments for no product just didn’t make any sense on any level.
I wrote in a previous post that I somewhat like the playoff overtime rule change that it didn’t go far enough.
My biggest problem with the change is that teams are playing under a different set of rules in the post season. In the regular season, a coin toss, field position and a kick can win a game. In the post season it won’t. Why different criteria for overtime playoff wins?
I do think the change is a step in the right direction but it needs to extend to regular season and tweaked some more.
At the very least, both teams should be given one possession and a chance to win the game. Regardless of a first possession touchdown, let the other team get a shot at winning the game.
I find one possible change interesting. I would allow a sudden death one possession victory under one circumstance. The current playoff rule will allow a one possession win if a team scores a TD. I say take the one possession rule one step further. A TD alone doesn’t warrant a victory. I propose changing the rule to allowing a sudden death victory only if a TD and successful two point conversion are scored.
A missed two point attempt leaves a six point lead and allows the second team a shot at winning with a TD and one point conversion. I think it is a simple tweak that would make for more interesting finishes. A coach could gamble to seal the deal on a two pointer or play it safe and go for one. It’s a high risk but high reward scenario. If after one possession for each team then the game reverts to sudden death on any score. Even if a team fails to score the two points, they still maintain the advantage and can win the game with a defensive stop.
The downside is given the conservative nature of most coaches the two point conversion may never come into play.
I’m just throwing out some food for thought.
NFL Network Money and Work Stoppage
In Pro Football Weekly’s April 2010 issue, Barry Jackson quotes a network source about television money paid to the NFL in the even of a work stoppage. The source confirmed that the networks will pay the league but the amount of payments will be deducted from any money due once play starts up again.
Basically the networks will advance money to the NFL during a strike/lockout situation to help clubs keep in operations. Despite the stoppage, bills continue to accrue like stadium maintenance, staff payroll and other organizational needs. The money just comes out of the next year’s network payments.
Good to hear that cleared up. I know the networks pay out megabucks to the NFL for broadcast rights. However the payments for no product just didn’t make any sense on any level.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
An Exciting Sports Weekend
The NFL draft. NBA playoffs. NHL playoffs. The only negative? The Astros winning.
I worked all weekend so I didn't get to enjoy the Draft Party at Texans headquarters this year. Plus I would have missed a Penguins vs. Senators match up. Turned out to be an amazing game despite the Pens losing. Ottawa scored the game winner in the third overtime.
I'm a huge fans of the Penguins going back to the Mario Lemieux days. Everybody I knew that followed hockey and wasn't from up north was bandwagonning the Edmonton Oilers and Wayne Gretzky. I looked down the stat sheets and saw Lemieux's stats and decided front that day forth I would be a Pens fan. I'm still here all those years later.
Football and hockey are the only sports I can watch no matter who is playing. NBA basketball is pretty painful to watch these days. I grew up in San Antonio watching the Spurs. If it wasn't for them I doubt I'd watch an NBA game ever again. I'm from Texas, football is in my DNA.
The Spurs disappointed me during the regular season and falling to the 7th seed in the Western Conference. Now that it's playoff time, I'm impressed with the job they've done thus far with the Dallas Mavericks. They lost the first game in Dallas but took game two there and held serve in SA with two wins for a 3-1 series lead. The game swing back tonight to Dallas for a possible Spurs clincher.
Game 4 was brutal and harsh. The Mavericks came unglued when the game turned rough. Tempers flared on sided but the Spurs maintained their composure. The Mavs turned over the ball, missed shots and their offensive timing went haywire. The Spurs turned a deficit into a lead they would never relinquish.
I think a series loss should lead to the demolition of the Mavs current make up and start from scratch. Owner Mark Cuban probably won't do it because past actions show he considers the Mavs one piece away from winning it all.
Everything around Dallas has changed but one key player: Dirk Nowitski. Dallas has changed coaches, made major in season trades and tried to toughen up defensively. Yet here we are again on the brink of another major playoff meltdown. Nothing will ever beat the 2006 Finals choke of being up 2-0 on the edge of 3-0 and losing the series 4-2. The 2007 playoffs exit with the 1st seed against the 8th seed Golden State Warriors ranks a close second. 2010 we are looking at possibly the 3rd worst choke job in Mavs history.
That's all I have time for today. Work, errands and other things are calling.
I worked all weekend so I didn't get to enjoy the Draft Party at Texans headquarters this year. Plus I would have missed a Penguins vs. Senators match up. Turned out to be an amazing game despite the Pens losing. Ottawa scored the game winner in the third overtime.
I'm a huge fans of the Penguins going back to the Mario Lemieux days. Everybody I knew that followed hockey and wasn't from up north was bandwagonning the Edmonton Oilers and Wayne Gretzky. I looked down the stat sheets and saw Lemieux's stats and decided front that day forth I would be a Pens fan. I'm still here all those years later.
Football and hockey are the only sports I can watch no matter who is playing. NBA basketball is pretty painful to watch these days. I grew up in San Antonio watching the Spurs. If it wasn't for them I doubt I'd watch an NBA game ever again. I'm from Texas, football is in my DNA.
The Spurs disappointed me during the regular season and falling to the 7th seed in the Western Conference. Now that it's playoff time, I'm impressed with the job they've done thus far with the Dallas Mavericks. They lost the first game in Dallas but took game two there and held serve in SA with two wins for a 3-1 series lead. The game swing back tonight to Dallas for a possible Spurs clincher.
Game 4 was brutal and harsh. The Mavericks came unglued when the game turned rough. Tempers flared on sided but the Spurs maintained their composure. The Mavs turned over the ball, missed shots and their offensive timing went haywire. The Spurs turned a deficit into a lead they would never relinquish.
I think a series loss should lead to the demolition of the Mavs current make up and start from scratch. Owner Mark Cuban probably won't do it because past actions show he considers the Mavs one piece away from winning it all.
Everything around Dallas has changed but one key player: Dirk Nowitski. Dallas has changed coaches, made major in season trades and tried to toughen up defensively. Yet here we are again on the brink of another major playoff meltdown. Nothing will ever beat the 2006 Finals choke of being up 2-0 on the edge of 3-0 and losing the series 4-2. The 2007 playoffs exit with the 1st seed against the 8th seed Golden State Warriors ranks a close second. 2010 we are looking at possibly the 3rd worst choke job in Mavs history.
That's all I have time for today. Work, errands and other things are calling.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Dez Bryant - Draft Risk or Over Blown Media Reports?
All week I've been reading articles and hearing sports reports that Dez Bryant is the next Randy Moss. Reports state teams will be leery of drafting Bryant because of questionable character issues.
After reading Don Bank's article at SI.com, I agree and think it's a bunch of crap.
Many are questioning Bryant's character, commitment and attitude. The first thing they point to is Bryant lying to NCAA about hanging out with Deion Sanders. He made a mistake by lying about it and I agree there needed to be some kind of consequences. However a ten game suspension was to harsh. Like Keyshawn Johnson pointed out, why is Bryant questioned for hanging out with Sanders but Colt McCoy can pal around the Mannings and no one questions him.
Then there are rumors circulating that Bryant didn't attend classes, was late for practice and games while at Oklahoma State. Bryant denies the rumors and no one from the school substantiates the rumors.
In the same article, Cris Carter says there is a big difference between Bryant and Moss:
I understand why NFL teams want to turn a player inside out. They need to know as much as possible about a player they are going to invest money and coaching. Off the field behavior can be a major detriment to a product on the field. Just ask the NY Giants and Plaxico Burress. It's another thing when the media makes a stretch and uses flimsy logic to draw up conclusions to either another player or a future career.
I'm sure there is some caution surrounding Bryant by some teams. I'm also sure there are few teams that won't draft him despite a need for a receiver.
What has happened is part of the 24-hour news cycle and everybody trying to out scoop or out duel everybody else for information. News stories need publishing. Talking heads need topics. Bloggers need to blog. And facts be damned. Never let facts get in the way of a good story.
I'm the first person to jump on a player for off the field issues, dogging it on the field or being a diva. In this case, I just haven't seen it in Bryant. The only strike I see is lying about his contact with Sanders. To me that's not a major concern. Bryant has no criminal history or any major misconduct issues on or off the field. Give the young man a break and let him prove on the field whether or not he is a professional football player. There will be plenty of time later for judgment.
After reading Don Bank's article at SI.com, I agree and think it's a bunch of crap.
Many are questioning Bryant's character, commitment and attitude. The first thing they point to is Bryant lying to NCAA about hanging out with Deion Sanders. He made a mistake by lying about it and I agree there needed to be some kind of consequences. However a ten game suspension was to harsh. Like Keyshawn Johnson pointed out, why is Bryant questioned for hanging out with Sanders but Colt McCoy can pal around the Mannings and no one questions him.
Then there are rumors circulating that Bryant didn't attend classes, was late for practice and games while at Oklahoma State. Bryant denies the rumors and no one from the school substantiates the rumors.
In the same article, Cris Carter says there is a big difference between Bryant and Moss:
I look for a background of violence and drugs. I look for breaking the law, and Dez doesn't have those things...remember when Randy came into the league, he had the Notre Dame stuff, the Florida State stuff, and that's a lot right thereThen some made a big deal that Bryant showed up for his OSU pro day without his cleats. Like no one has ever been nervous on a job interview?
I understand why NFL teams want to turn a player inside out. They need to know as much as possible about a player they are going to invest money and coaching. Off the field behavior can be a major detriment to a product on the field. Just ask the NY Giants and Plaxico Burress. It's another thing when the media makes a stretch and uses flimsy logic to draw up conclusions to either another player or a future career.
I'm sure there is some caution surrounding Bryant by some teams. I'm also sure there are few teams that won't draft him despite a need for a receiver.
What has happened is part of the 24-hour news cycle and everybody trying to out scoop or out duel everybody else for information. News stories need publishing. Talking heads need topics. Bloggers need to blog. And facts be damned. Never let facts get in the way of a good story.
I'm the first person to jump on a player for off the field issues, dogging it on the field or being a diva. In this case, I just haven't seen it in Bryant. The only strike I see is lying about his contact with Sanders. To me that's not a major concern. Bryant has no criminal history or any major misconduct issues on or off the field. Give the young man a break and let him prove on the field whether or not he is a professional football player. There will be plenty of time later for judgment.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
I'm Back Astros
Like a jilted lover, I'm back with the Houston Astros. For the last two years I've not only been boycotting the Astros but praying for a complete collapse. I prayed for disaster so people would stop going to games and force Drayton McLane to either sell the team or reexamine the business model.
I've been very critical of McLane and how he's run the Astros lately.
For starters, while many view him as cheap, I think that's a misconception. This years payroll of approximately $92 million ranks 13th in the Major Leagues. In 2009, the Astros ranked 8th with a $102 million payroll. Call it anything you want but don't call it cheap.
What McLane has done has spent his money unwisely. An examination of the 2010 payroll explains what I mean.
That is not good use of team resources. Couple that with the fact that McLane didn't believe in paying signing bonuses to rookies and it further explains the damage. McLane failed to realize the long term savings of locking up a player at a lower cost on the rookie contract. As a result the farm system is in shambles.
So to get back to the point on why I'm back. McLane says he finally gets it and understands drafting and player development. So I'm willing to take the Astros back on a trial basis.
Deep down I'm a sports guy. I like baseball. I don't love baseball. The Astros will never break the pecking order of the Texans, Houston Cougars, San Antonio Spurs or Pittsburgh Penguins. Texans and Cougars will always be my first loves. Spurs are my hometown team and are the only reason I watch any NBA basketball. The Pens I've been in love with since the Super Mario days.
Then come the Astros. I want to enjoy baseball and the fun involved with being in a Major League city. I want to see players develop and blossom into solid major league players. I want to savor the World Series again...this time on the winning side. Baseball is a beautiful game. So with these hopes and dreams, I once again reclaim my rights as a Houston Astros fan.
I've been very critical of McLane and how he's run the Astros lately.
For starters, while many view him as cheap, I think that's a misconception. This years payroll of approximately $92 million ranks 13th in the Major Leagues. In 2009, the Astros ranked 8th with a $102 million payroll. Call it anything you want but don't call it cheap.
What McLane has done has spent his money unwisely. An examination of the 2010 payroll explains what I mean.
- Lance Berkman = $14.5 million
- Carlos Lee = $19 million
- Kazuo Matsui = $5.5 million
- Roy Oswalt = $15 million
- Wandy Rodriguez = $5 million
- Total = $59 million
That is not good use of team resources. Couple that with the fact that McLane didn't believe in paying signing bonuses to rookies and it further explains the damage. McLane failed to realize the long term savings of locking up a player at a lower cost on the rookie contract. As a result the farm system is in shambles.
So to get back to the point on why I'm back. McLane says he finally gets it and understands drafting and player development. So I'm willing to take the Astros back on a trial basis.
Deep down I'm a sports guy. I like baseball. I don't love baseball. The Astros will never break the pecking order of the Texans, Houston Cougars, San Antonio Spurs or Pittsburgh Penguins. Texans and Cougars will always be my first loves. Spurs are my hometown team and are the only reason I watch any NBA basketball. The Pens I've been in love with since the Super Mario days.
Then come the Astros. I want to enjoy baseball and the fun involved with being in a Major League city. I want to see players develop and blossom into solid major league players. I want to savor the World Series again...this time on the winning side. Baseball is a beautiful game. So with these hopes and dreams, I once again reclaim my rights as a Houston Astros fan.
Friday, April 2, 2010
James Dickey, Peter King's Worthlessness
Houston Cougars Hire James Dickey
I'm a Houston Cougar. I'm an alumni and fan. I go to as many football games as my work schedule allows. I went to 2 of the last 3 bowl games (one was local). In summary I love my Cougars.
I wanted Tom Penders gone. His act got old. My personal belief is he was cashing one last paycheck before retirement. As long as the University allowed him, he would go through the motions of coaching and recruiting.
The vast majority of Houston fans, despite the late C-USA surge and NCAA Tournament appearance, wanted a change at the helm of Cougar basketball.
Be careful of what you wish for. Cougar fans got the change we wanted. Unfortunately the hiring of former Texas Tech coach James Dickey isn't what most wanted.
Most wanted a splashy headline grabbing coach like Billy Gillespie. I wanted Gillespie too. It didn't happen. Dickey is it.
Now I ask Cougar fans to step away from the ledge and live with the decision. Quit threatening to boycott games and renewing season tickets. First of all, there isn't enough of you to make a difference. Second, while I don't blindly follow the program, give it a chance. The decision was made by AD Mack Rhoades. For better or worse, we have to live with it.
We Cougars can be an insecure group. Many fans use that behemoth in Austin and that ass backward school in Collie Station as benchmarks. Screw them. We don't have the resources those places have. We don't have the fan support they have. UH has screwed the pooch in so many ways it's not even funny.
Instead we must build up the current programs, sustain that growth and position ourselves for future success. Art Briles resuscitated a football program on life support. Kevin Sumlin reaped the benefits and propelled the Cougars to wins over three BCS schools and attained a national ranking. Cougar football is building up and it doesn't appear the school is aiming for quick hitting solutions but sustained success and strength.
Basketball must follow a similar path. Penders did a decent job with basketball. He did nothing great and really didn't appear to put any effort into it. Dickey must now take the program the next step. A C-USA surge and an NCAA tournament are something to build on.
For my part, I'm willing to give Dickey a chance. I think if he puts in the effort and does a decent job recruiting local talent and venture out of state occasionally, he can build a sustainably successful program.
Cougar fans, back away from the ledge and give Dickey a chance.
Peter King's Nonsense
In general I don't like Peter King. He constantly rides Brett Favre's jock. He can't count to ten. I think Tim Tebow will be his new Favre. He also likes to constantly remind us who he texts with and who he talks to on their cell phone. Grow up.
I know it's the off season but write about something relevant or don't write anything. Just because SI.com gives you a column doesn't mean you have to fill it up. Write a line or two if that's all you can find to say.
I read King because occasionally he drops a good piece of info.
This week though it's the usual nonsense.
In his more than "Ten Things I Think I Think" bit, he bitches about cold weather Super Bowls. Talk about "Waaaahh!" Give me one reason why Super Bowls should be played exclusively indoors or in mild climate locations?
A direct quote from his column:
Really? Why is this a bad thing? He offers no reason why it would be ill advised to schedule Super Bowls in "bad weather" locations. All he goes on to state is if the it is awarded to New Jersey then Daniel Snyder, Pat Bowlen and Paul Allen will want Super Bowls too. And why shouldn't they want them? Why is Miami, San Diego or New Orleans any better than Washington, Denver or Seattle?
Just because people like the weather? Washington, Denver and Seattle have home field advantage in the elements. So why not give outdoor teams a chance to have an advantage in the Super Bowl. Why let the Colts, Saints or any indoor team have equal footing just because they play away from the elements? These teams and owners made their choices in playing indoors. Why penalize cities from hosting a Super Bowl just because other hosts are in potentially better weather places?
Football isn't a game for pansies. Playing outdoors is a big part of the game. I'd for once like to see teams battle it out in the weather for a title.
What if a Super Bowl is played in a torrential downpour in San Diego? Will King cry for games only in domed stadiums? Get a grip King and quit spewing your typical nonsense.
I'm a Houston Cougar. I'm an alumni and fan. I go to as many football games as my work schedule allows. I went to 2 of the last 3 bowl games (one was local). In summary I love my Cougars.
I wanted Tom Penders gone. His act got old. My personal belief is he was cashing one last paycheck before retirement. As long as the University allowed him, he would go through the motions of coaching and recruiting.
The vast majority of Houston fans, despite the late C-USA surge and NCAA Tournament appearance, wanted a change at the helm of Cougar basketball.
Be careful of what you wish for. Cougar fans got the change we wanted. Unfortunately the hiring of former Texas Tech coach James Dickey isn't what most wanted.
Most wanted a splashy headline grabbing coach like Billy Gillespie. I wanted Gillespie too. It didn't happen. Dickey is it.
Now I ask Cougar fans to step away from the ledge and live with the decision. Quit threatening to boycott games and renewing season tickets. First of all, there isn't enough of you to make a difference. Second, while I don't blindly follow the program, give it a chance. The decision was made by AD Mack Rhoades. For better or worse, we have to live with it.
We Cougars can be an insecure group. Many fans use that behemoth in Austin and that ass backward school in Collie Station as benchmarks. Screw them. We don't have the resources those places have. We don't have the fan support they have. UH has screwed the pooch in so many ways it's not even funny.
Instead we must build up the current programs, sustain that growth and position ourselves for future success. Art Briles resuscitated a football program on life support. Kevin Sumlin reaped the benefits and propelled the Cougars to wins over three BCS schools and attained a national ranking. Cougar football is building up and it doesn't appear the school is aiming for quick hitting solutions but sustained success and strength.
Basketball must follow a similar path. Penders did a decent job with basketball. He did nothing great and really didn't appear to put any effort into it. Dickey must now take the program the next step. A C-USA surge and an NCAA tournament are something to build on.
For my part, I'm willing to give Dickey a chance. I think if he puts in the effort and does a decent job recruiting local talent and venture out of state occasionally, he can build a sustainably successful program.
Cougar fans, back away from the ledge and give Dickey a chance.
Peter King's Nonsense
In general I don't like Peter King. He constantly rides Brett Favre's jock. He can't count to ten. I think Tim Tebow will be his new Favre. He also likes to constantly remind us who he texts with and who he talks to on their cell phone. Grow up.
I know it's the off season but write about something relevant or don't write anything. Just because SI.com gives you a column doesn't mean you have to fill it up. Write a line or two if that's all you can find to say.
I read King because occasionally he drops a good piece of info.
This week though it's the usual nonsense.
In his more than "Ten Things I Think I Think" bit, he bitches about cold weather Super Bowls. Talk about "Waaaahh!" Give me one reason why Super Bowls should be played exclusively indoors or in mild climate locations?
A direct quote from his column:
I think the thing about a Super Bowl in New Jersey in February 2014 -- which seems more and more likely with the vote due as early as May --is that too few people are thinking about the precedent it sets for future games in outdoor, cold-weather venues.
Really? Why is this a bad thing? He offers no reason why it would be ill advised to schedule Super Bowls in "bad weather" locations. All he goes on to state is if the it is awarded to New Jersey then Daniel Snyder, Pat Bowlen and Paul Allen will want Super Bowls too. And why shouldn't they want them? Why is Miami, San Diego or New Orleans any better than Washington, Denver or Seattle?
Just because people like the weather? Washington, Denver and Seattle have home field advantage in the elements. So why not give outdoor teams a chance to have an advantage in the Super Bowl. Why let the Colts, Saints or any indoor team have equal footing just because they play away from the elements? These teams and owners made their choices in playing indoors. Why penalize cities from hosting a Super Bowl just because other hosts are in potentially better weather places?
Football isn't a game for pansies. Playing outdoors is a big part of the game. I'd for once like to see teams battle it out in the weather for a title.
What if a Super Bowl is played in a torrential downpour in San Diego? Will King cry for games only in domed stadiums? Get a grip King and quit spewing your typical nonsense.
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