In the last class my group presentation was on Qatar and how they were chosen to host the 2022 W.C. My group showed a power point comparing the USA and Qatar and yes I know were all Americans, but it seems as if were all on the same page, and that is that the United States should have been awarded the bid.
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/usa-world-cup-2022-bid2-the-world-cup-seeks-a-new-home
There is a website in which fox sports writes about each countries chances of winning the '22 bid. They came up with 80% odds that the Americans would not have to travel too far, as the W.C. would be in the states. However, Qatar did not have the lowest odds of the countries competing. Japan and South Korea actually had single digit chances of hosting the greatest world wide sporting event in history. Notice, this article was written before the announcement of the bid.
Apparently FIFA believes that Qatar will be able to provide air-conditioning in every stadium and the average temperature of 95 degrees will not be a problem. But how can you pass up on the large stadiums here in America?
Maybe, as mentioned in class Qatar will be able to land soccer in the country. After the '94 W.C. in the states, the MLS was created two years later. Hopefully, with this World Cup taking place in 12 years Qatar is able to strike up a team that can be competitive because the host country is given an automatic bid.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
It's Time To Move On
We all witnessed the sch laking the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered thanks to The Miami Heat. "The Return" turned out to be yet another event that Cleveland fans will want to forget, but it will take time. The loss cannot be blamed on the fans of Cleveland in this one, they came out fired up and the chants of "Boo's" were so incredibly loud. This leaves me to the question of, is it time to forget and let go? Personally, yes! There is nothing as fans that we can do, except heckle him when he comes and plays at The Q. This reminds me of Wayne Gretzky being traded to the states. We know that it devastated fans, but he is still known as a icon and the greatest player ever, maybe that is why Canada is so proud of him.
At this moment in time, I do not believe that LeBron James will ever be loved again in the state of Ohio. Like I said, yes we may be able to forgive him. However, the welcome return will never be as sweet as it was for the first 7 years of his career.
At this moment in time, I do not believe that LeBron James will ever be loved again in the state of Ohio. Like I said, yes we may be able to forgive him. However, the welcome return will never be as sweet as it was for the first 7 years of his career.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
We Are 2 Days Away
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls and children of all ages, are you ready for what is about to take action in the city of Cleveland, Ohio? In two days, Thursday, December 2nd, the man our whole class now disguise is LeBron James and he will travel with his Heat team to "The Q." James will make his first trip to the arena as a visitor and he is in his 8th NBA season.
With this game being sold out and tickets being no cheaper than $130, it is safe to say Cleveland has been waiting for this day to come since LBJ left. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert knows all about Cleveland fans and posted this on his Twitter, " Obviously no profanity,vulgar stuff U wouldn't want kids 2 see but we are not going 2 be the Gestapo."
Knowing this, all that is left to do is wonder on what Cavaliers fan will come up with to show their despise with their old King. Recently on ESPN.com there was an article about whether or not James will have his family and friends attend the game. James, obviously being from Akron knows how easily this basketball game could turn into "The Brawl at the Palace." Therefore, extra security has been assigned and I think it would be better for Ms. Gloria James, LeBron's girlfriend, and his two sons to stay at home for this game.
With this game being sold out and tickets being no cheaper than $130, it is safe to say Cleveland has been waiting for this day to come since LBJ left. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert knows all about Cleveland fans and posted this on his Twitter, " Obviously no profanity,vulgar stuff U wouldn't want kids 2 see but we are not going 2 be the Gestapo."
Knowing this, all that is left to do is wonder on what Cavaliers fan will come up with to show their despise with their old King. Recently on ESPN.com there was an article about whether or not James will have his family and friends attend the game. James, obviously being from Akron knows how easily this basketball game could turn into "The Brawl at the Palace." Therefore, extra security has been assigned and I think it would be better for Ms. Gloria James, LeBron's girlfriend, and his two sons to stay at home for this game.
Monday, November 1, 2010
It Is A Little To Late
LeBron James has recently came out and shared his opinion on what the whole world (except Heat fans) would agree on. James finally admits that he would do "The Decision" differently. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=5749163
Now Cavs fans, don't get uber excited or angry based off of that because he is utterly happy in Miami, he feels as if he still made the correct choice. Whether you love or hate the guy, the main reason why Clevelander's were so emotionally wrecked is because he went on national television and had to use the words, "I'm taking my talents to South Beach." The fact that he kept it all a secret and wanted to feel special by having his own show for it. For heaven's sake this guy was known as "King James" he had everything, (except a ring) and yet he still wanted to feel as if he was a high school recruit picking what college he would play ball at. Can you get anymore selfish or immature? Here is a man with arguably the most talent and freakish athlete in the game, yet sometimes acts as if he is still a teenager. Jason Kidd would have to play the babysitter role on the U.S.A. Olympic basketball teams because off the court James would act like a child. Is this why Cavs fans loved the guy? He won back to back 60+ games in Cleveland and we knew how he acted. However, since he was on our team and our guy we embraced it. I mean it could be worse, he could be doing what Tiger Woods got caught doing, or Kobe Bryant (rape charges) or even Ray Lewis (possible murder).
Instead James who will always be known as the soul crusher. Yes, there is "The Drive" and "The Shot" and 1 out away from a World Series. But, in this generation I actually have a Cleveland memory that will stick with me forever. I was alive for the other mis happenings in Cleveland sports, but I was not quite old enough for the sour taste or broken heart. Obviously, the only way for Cavs fans to let go is if some other superstar can sweep us off our feet and not only take us to the promise land, but win it all. Sadly, our time does not look to be here soon, but as a fan and somebody who wants to make a career as a sports analyst, I do not necessarily need to forget what he did to me but forgive. An athletes dream is to win titles, he made a business "Decision" and it is time to move on. As Cavaliers fan, we must not give in, we strive together. We do this by attending the home games, (hopefully selling out) purchasing apparel. We are the new look Cavs, the post LeBron Cavs, now go out and show you are a true fan by buying Cavaliers gear from this season!
I'll leave you with this... We need to remember that when LeBron's contract expires he will only be 30 years old. As an NFL Running back that is considered to be over the hill, but in NBA terms he has the capability to still be in his prime. (baring injuries). I can sit here and honestly say I think LeBron James will play for the Cleveland Cavaliers one more time in his career. I think he will finish where he started. There are two questions we must ask ourselves then: Will you embrace him? Will we see a "Decision 2"?
Now Cavs fans, don't get uber excited or angry based off of that because he is utterly happy in Miami, he feels as if he still made the correct choice. Whether you love or hate the guy, the main reason why Clevelander's were so emotionally wrecked is because he went on national television and had to use the words, "I'm taking my talents to South Beach." The fact that he kept it all a secret and wanted to feel special by having his own show for it. For heaven's sake this guy was known as "King James" he had everything, (except a ring) and yet he still wanted to feel as if he was a high school recruit picking what college he would play ball at. Can you get anymore selfish or immature? Here is a man with arguably the most talent and freakish athlete in the game, yet sometimes acts as if he is still a teenager. Jason Kidd would have to play the babysitter role on the U.S.A. Olympic basketball teams because off the court James would act like a child. Is this why Cavs fans loved the guy? He won back to back 60+ games in Cleveland and we knew how he acted. However, since he was on our team and our guy we embraced it. I mean it could be worse, he could be doing what Tiger Woods got caught doing, or Kobe Bryant (rape charges) or even Ray Lewis (possible murder).
Instead James who will always be known as the soul crusher. Yes, there is "The Drive" and "The Shot" and 1 out away from a World Series. But, in this generation I actually have a Cleveland memory that will stick with me forever. I was alive for the other mis happenings in Cleveland sports, but I was not quite old enough for the sour taste or broken heart. Obviously, the only way for Cavs fans to let go is if some other superstar can sweep us off our feet and not only take us to the promise land, but win it all. Sadly, our time does not look to be here soon, but as a fan and somebody who wants to make a career as a sports analyst, I do not necessarily need to forget what he did to me but forgive. An athletes dream is to win titles, he made a business "Decision" and it is time to move on. As Cavaliers fan, we must not give in, we strive together. We do this by attending the home games, (hopefully selling out) purchasing apparel. We are the new look Cavs, the post LeBron Cavs, now go out and show you are a true fan by buying Cavaliers gear from this season!
I'll leave you with this... We need to remember that when LeBron's contract expires he will only be 30 years old. As an NFL Running back that is considered to be over the hill, but in NBA terms he has the capability to still be in his prime. (baring injuries). I can sit here and honestly say I think LeBron James will play for the Cleveland Cavaliers one more time in his career. I think he will finish where he started. There are two questions we must ask ourselves then: Will you embrace him? Will we see a "Decision 2"?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Are we giving credit to the right people?
In my last blog I talked about the NBA and how some players are set up to take on the role of becoming the next "Like Mike." However, I feel as if I was not giving credit where credit is due. I think the same could be said for my readers as well.
With the NFL season in the thick of things the Cowboys are a hot topic and Wade Phillips being on the hot seat or not. So when it comes to the NFL coaches are publicly given credit for succeeding or failing. (Bill B. for the NE Patriots last year on 4th down vs Indy.) With the NBA though, I feel as if I need to be giving more credit to Phil Jackson.
Yes, players win games but in the NBA why are coaches not given as much credit or media attention for bad decisions like they are in the NFL? Phil Jackson is trying to win his 12th title as a head coach! That would tie Bill Russell, and he was a player. Jackson already owns the record for most rings among coaches, and he has two rings back from when he played in the NBA with the NY Knicks in 1970 and '73.
So with all those rings and the capability to win another 3 peat (this one with the Lakers, 1st one was with the Bulls) how is he not the face of the NBA? He coached all the "great" ones. He made MJ who he was in the NBA, and has done the exact same with Kobe. The NBA needs to figure a way to get this man as the face of the NBA once he retires and to think he is 65 years young! Jerry Sloan is 68, Joe Paterno is 83, and when Joe Gibbs coached in the NFL a big deal was made about him and he was 67.
I just do not understand how NBA coaches seem to not get as much media attention at times or their recognition might get swept under the rug at moments because the stars of the league get the attention. Yes, they are the ones who either hit the game winning jumper or not, but look at a QB in the NFL, his outcome gets reflected back to the head coach.
With the NFL season in the thick of things the Cowboys are a hot topic and Wade Phillips being on the hot seat or not. So when it comes to the NFL coaches are publicly given credit for succeeding or failing. (Bill B. for the NE Patriots last year on 4th down vs Indy.) With the NBA though, I feel as if I need to be giving more credit to Phil Jackson.
Yes, players win games but in the NBA why are coaches not given as much credit or media attention for bad decisions like they are in the NFL? Phil Jackson is trying to win his 12th title as a head coach! That would tie Bill Russell, and he was a player. Jackson already owns the record for most rings among coaches, and he has two rings back from when he played in the NBA with the NY Knicks in 1970 and '73.
So with all those rings and the capability to win another 3 peat (this one with the Lakers, 1st one was with the Bulls) how is he not the face of the NBA? He coached all the "great" ones. He made MJ who he was in the NBA, and has done the exact same with Kobe. The NBA needs to figure a way to get this man as the face of the NBA once he retires and to think he is 65 years young! Jerry Sloan is 68, Joe Paterno is 83, and when Joe Gibbs coached in the NFL a big deal was made about him and he was 67.
I just do not understand how NBA coaches seem to not get as much media attention at times or their recognition might get swept under the rug at moments because the stars of the league get the attention. Yes, they are the ones who either hit the game winning jumper or not, but look at a QB in the NFL, his outcome gets reflected back to the head coach.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Who is the next "Like Mike" in the NBA?
In class we discussed how Michael Jordan is arguable the greatest figure in all of sports. However, I want to stick just to the NBA in this blog.
MJ has the 6 rings, the Hanes commercials, the shoes, and the swag. He had the swagger of a champion. All those reasons tie in to him being the best ever at his sport and everyone else is a distant second. As a Cavaliers fan I always thought LeBron James would surpass the greatest of all time. After this past summer, it is safe to say my feelings have changed. Yes, I am sour about it, so is every other Clevelander. But there is also reasoning to it. LBJ has yet to win a title. He has won the MVP award twice, but rings is where athletes are measured. Whether or not LBJ wins 1 or 6 rings with the Miami Heat, it will not do a damn thing but keep him behind Jordan. LeBron has taken a lot of scrutiny for becoming teammates with other superstars in the league. The greatest player should not need superstars around him. Yes a supporting cast is nice, and I think it is safe to say James had that this past season.
Another player on the list of becoming the next MJ should be Kevin Durant. This dude is sensational. He is barely old enough to drink and is in his third year in the league. He won the NBA scoring title last regular season and should be favored to repeat this season. He took the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs in just his second NBA season! The guy can hit a jump shot from anywhere, and what makes things even better.. He signed a contract extension this past summer to stay with the Thunder for at least four more years. Talk about a great talent and does not let his head get to big. Everyone wants to say Cleveland is a bad city for marketing, how about the state of Oklahoma!?! Obviously, this young man has a lot of work to do and plenty of rings to win, but it is safe to say he is off to a fantastic start.
The final player I want to bring up has already peaked and is on the decline in his career. When I say decline, I do not mean that he can not play, just stating that he is getting older. Kobe Bryant, just won his 5th ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. Okay say what you want about the man: was in the media for rape, ran Shaq out of town, and demanded a trade just two-three years ago. Instead, LA steals Pau from Memphis and they have not stopped winning since. Kobe is known as the best closer in the game, he can hit any shot at anytime and there is no one else in the NBA a coach would rather have in the final minutes of a game. With a championship this year he will equal MJ. Kobe also has the longevity to continue playing at least four more seasons, therefore the potential to win more rings than Jordan is fairly high. He has is own shoe, maybe it is time for him to come up with his own brand. Time for Kobe to start marketing more, but the question is why? He does not need the money, and where he is at in his career, he just wants to win that 6th ring. Also, the man loves the NBA and that is his focus, staying healthy and relaxing when off the court.
In the end, NBA fans need to embrace this magical season that is about to start in 8 days. If you are not a Lakers fan, then you hate to see them keep winning. However, with Miami's big 3, the Boston Celtics and Durant's Thunder it is well known that the title run will not be easy for any team this season. So instead of harping over what cannot be changed it Cleveland or Toronto, why not sit back, relax and be thankful that we all could be witnessing history. (Sorry Cavs fans, I know when you read over the word witness what comes to mind.)
MJ has the 6 rings, the Hanes commercials, the shoes, and the swag. He had the swagger of a champion. All those reasons tie in to him being the best ever at his sport and everyone else is a distant second. As a Cavaliers fan I always thought LeBron James would surpass the greatest of all time. After this past summer, it is safe to say my feelings have changed. Yes, I am sour about it, so is every other Clevelander. But there is also reasoning to it. LBJ has yet to win a title. He has won the MVP award twice, but rings is where athletes are measured. Whether or not LBJ wins 1 or 6 rings with the Miami Heat, it will not do a damn thing but keep him behind Jordan. LeBron has taken a lot of scrutiny for becoming teammates with other superstars in the league. The greatest player should not need superstars around him. Yes a supporting cast is nice, and I think it is safe to say James had that this past season.
Another player on the list of becoming the next MJ should be Kevin Durant. This dude is sensational. He is barely old enough to drink and is in his third year in the league. He won the NBA scoring title last regular season and should be favored to repeat this season. He took the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs in just his second NBA season! The guy can hit a jump shot from anywhere, and what makes things even better.. He signed a contract extension this past summer to stay with the Thunder for at least four more years. Talk about a great talent and does not let his head get to big. Everyone wants to say Cleveland is a bad city for marketing, how about the state of Oklahoma!?! Obviously, this young man has a lot of work to do and plenty of rings to win, but it is safe to say he is off to a fantastic start.
The final player I want to bring up has already peaked and is on the decline in his career. When I say decline, I do not mean that he can not play, just stating that he is getting older. Kobe Bryant, just won his 5th ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. Okay say what you want about the man: was in the media for rape, ran Shaq out of town, and demanded a trade just two-three years ago. Instead, LA steals Pau from Memphis and they have not stopped winning since. Kobe is known as the best closer in the game, he can hit any shot at anytime and there is no one else in the NBA a coach would rather have in the final minutes of a game. With a championship this year he will equal MJ. Kobe also has the longevity to continue playing at least four more seasons, therefore the potential to win more rings than Jordan is fairly high. He has is own shoe, maybe it is time for him to come up with his own brand. Time for Kobe to start marketing more, but the question is why? He does not need the money, and where he is at in his career, he just wants to win that 6th ring. Also, the man loves the NBA and that is his focus, staying healthy and relaxing when off the court.
In the end, NBA fans need to embrace this magical season that is about to start in 8 days. If you are not a Lakers fan, then you hate to see them keep winning. However, with Miami's big 3, the Boston Celtics and Durant's Thunder it is well known that the title run will not be easy for any team this season. So instead of harping over what cannot be changed it Cleveland or Toronto, why not sit back, relax and be thankful that we all could be witnessing history. (Sorry Cavs fans, I know when you read over the word witness what comes to mind.)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Video Games
Here we are almost mid October and football season is the majority of the talk. However, NBA pre-season is going on, the hockey regular season is a week in and baseball has reached its final four. Yet, FIFA Soccer 11 is the number 1 ranked video game sold worldwide. http://www.vgchartz.com/
That is astounding, I love that soccer video games are growing in popularity. Could this be because people still have World Cup fever? It is possible, but for the most part I would have to say it is because this poll is taken worldwide and soccer is the most popular sport over in Europe. There have been over 1.3 million copies sold worldwide of FIFA! Better yet, that is just for the Playstation3 alone, XBOX has sold over 885 thousand copies. There is another soccer game outside of FIFA. Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 also made the top 10 list. It is the 3rd most game sold, the PS3 version. The XBOX version holds the 10th spot. This poll was constructed on the 2nd of October. The game was released just days before then. Could the numbers be that large in America?
Well, no. http://www.vgchartz.com/
FIFA is not even the most popular video game sold in America. Halo: Reach followed by Dead Rising 2, are the top two video games sold. FIFA 11' for the XBOX and the PS3 take up the 3rd and 4th spot. So even with the release of NBA2K11 happening recently, FIFA is the most popular sports game sold. That says a lot to me. In a class where we discuss the 3 main sports in America as Football, Basketball, and Baseball, Soccer is the most popular sports video game sold right now. It is fair to say that people do not like to play soccer in real life, but the video games are a lot of fun. This could be the reason why FIFA is selling over 198,000 copies combined between XBOX and PS3. Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 did not make America's list.
I am just amazed that the NBA video game with Micheal Jordan on the cover did not even make the top 10 in America. Basketball is very popular here, safe to say more popular than Soccer. That is not the case though when it comes to video games. For soccer fans in America, you can only hope that all the people who purchased FIFA 11' trade their controller in for some cleats and start to play outside!
That is astounding, I love that soccer video games are growing in popularity. Could this be because people still have World Cup fever? It is possible, but for the most part I would have to say it is because this poll is taken worldwide and soccer is the most popular sport over in Europe. There have been over 1.3 million copies sold worldwide of FIFA! Better yet, that is just for the Playstation3 alone, XBOX has sold over 885 thousand copies. There is another soccer game outside of FIFA. Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 also made the top 10 list. It is the 3rd most game sold, the PS3 version. The XBOX version holds the 10th spot. This poll was constructed on the 2nd of October. The game was released just days before then. Could the numbers be that large in America?
Well, no. http://www.vgchartz.com/
FIFA is not even the most popular video game sold in America. Halo: Reach followed by Dead Rising 2, are the top two video games sold. FIFA 11' for the XBOX and the PS3 take up the 3rd and 4th spot. So even with the release of NBA2K11 happening recently, FIFA is the most popular sports game sold. That says a lot to me. In a class where we discuss the 3 main sports in America as Football, Basketball, and Baseball, Soccer is the most popular sports video game sold right now. It is fair to say that people do not like to play soccer in real life, but the video games are a lot of fun. This could be the reason why FIFA is selling over 198,000 copies combined between XBOX and PS3. Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 did not make America's list.
I am just amazed that the NBA video game with Micheal Jordan on the cover did not even make the top 10 in America. Basketball is very popular here, safe to say more popular than Soccer. That is not the case though when it comes to video games. For soccer fans in America, you can only hope that all the people who purchased FIFA 11' trade their controller in for some cleats and start to play outside!
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