Proud To Be From Philly

I've always been proud to be from Philadelphia. The cheesesteaks. The Liberty Bell. South St. Olde City. All things that made me proud to be a Philadelphian. But when it comes to sports there really hasn't been much to cheer about in Philly in recent years. The last major sports title the city won was in 1983 when the Sixers beat the Lakers. Sure we came close a few times. The Phillies losing to the Blue Jays in the 1993 Series. The Sixers losing to the Lakers in the 2001 NBA Finals. Even the Eagles barely losing to the New England Patriots in the 2005 Super Bowl. We've been close but never quite got over the hump. It got so bad I was sort of resigned to the fact Philly would never be home to a champ again. Until this year's Phillies made the playoffs.

By beating the Tampa Bay Rays, four games to one, in this year's World Series the Phillies have not only given the city a reason to celebrate, they've also afforded me a chance to express how proud I am to be a Philadelphia. This group of Phillies with stars like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Pat Burrell and Jimmy Rollins, and blue collar guys like Shane Victorino, Geoff Jenkins, and Jayson Werth achieved something Philadelphians have been waiting decades for.

Philly has long been known for its list of losers. The city had been craving for a moment like this. I can just imagine what Broad Street is like right now. Thousands of people clad in the red and white. People driving around in their cars honking their horns. I can feel it even though I'm hundreds of miles away. It reminds me of the time the Sixers won the title in 1983. I remember my dad, my brother and me piling in the Chrysler LeBaron and cruising around the neighborhood, after the final horn signaled the end of the game, honking that horn until we knew it was acceptable to call it a night. It was a moment I'll never forget. I was happy for my city that night. And although I'm notwith family on this go round, it feels just as sweet. Thanks to the 2008 Phillies, on this night I'm proud to be from Philadelphia.

UofL Receiver Scott Long Out For Season

The Louisville football team received a devastating blow Monday night when junior wide receiver Scott Long injured his knee in practice. He's out for the season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Here's the full release from UofL:

University of Louisville junior wide receiver Scott Long tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee in practice on Tuesday and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. He will have surgery to repair the knee within the next two weeks.

"I'm very disappointed for Scott," said U of L head football coach Steve Kragthorpe. "He's worked so hard this year to get into shape. It (the injury) occurred during a non-contact drill in practice. We have to move on from this situation and get ready to play a good Syracuse football team."

Long missed the first four games of the season while recovering from a broken bone in his left foot, which he suffered during preseason practice in August. He produced 11 catches for 201 yards in his three games this season, including a career-best 134 yards on five catches with two touchdowns against USF last Saturday.

Long was just rounding into shape as the Cards go to receiver. He's been nagged by injuries the last few months. He missed the first four games of the season with a broken foot but returned to action against Memphis. Doug Beaumont, Trent Guy, and Josh Chichester will have to elevate their games to help make up for the loss of the Cards big play threat.

Let me know what you think.

Hartline Throws Teammates Under The Bus

I'm a big Mike Hartline fan. I think the UK quarterback is smart and honest. But sometimes honesty can get you in trouble. On Monday Cats head coach Rich Brooks benched Hartline for the Mississippi State game in favor of freshman Randall Cobb. Instead of grinning and bearing it Hartline spoke his mind and now fans and some of the media are crucifying him for it.

Here's what Hartline said. When asked about his benching he replied, "I'm disappointed. It stinks. You don't ever expect to win the starting job and then lose it because the guys around you aren't performing the way they should. It's disappointing, but at the same time, it's best for the team. I'm a team player, and that's just the way it has to be."The part that has everyone in an uproar is "...then lose it because the guys around you aren't performing the way they should." Wow. What a way to throw your teammates under the bus Mike. If his teammates hadn't lost faith in him yet, they sure did now.

Never mind the fact what Hartline says is partially true: the Cats wide receivers have been inadequate this season. But as the "leader" of the team you have to take responsibility. Instead Hartline chooses to blame everyone else. Even if you believe what you say, you still have to have a little more tact.

Let me know what you think.

Former UK Player, Current Ref Takes Out Player

One of the most bizarre things ever on a football field took place during Saturday's LSU-South Carolina game. If you haven't seen it or heard about it I'll do my best to describe what happened.


In the second quarter the Gamecocks had the ball in the red zone looking to score. Quarterback Stephen Garcia scrambles to his right only to collide with umpire Wilbur Hackett Jr. In the video it looks like Hackett Jr. braces for the collision and then right before impact he leans his shoulder into Garcia sending the QB sprawling. I don't know if the umpire meant to knock Garcia down but that's sure what happened and a lot of people are not wondering if the ref intentionally tackled the QB.


Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier and the SEC head of officials say Hackett Jr. was in the right position, did nothing wrong and was only trying to get out of the way. But where the story gets even juicier is Hackett Jr. was a star linebacker for the Kentucky Wildcats in the late 60's. Not only that he's from Louisville and attended Manual High School. Here's what the UK Athletic Association website says about Hackett Jr:

Hackett is a 1999 Hall of Fame inductee at Manual High School in Louisville, KY, where he was a linebacker and running back on defense. He was considered the best all around football player in the city; in 1966 Hackett was All-State, All-Southern, and Parade Magazine All-American. The 5' 9", 185 pound Hackett went on to become a three year starting linebacker at the University of Kentucky (UK). He was the first African American to start in any sport at UK and in 1969 was the first to be named a team captain.

Inspiring Win By Cats

For about 54 minutes in Saturday's 21-20 win over Arkansas the Kentucky Wildcats looked like one off the worse teams in college football. The offense was dismal once again. Other than Alfonso Smith's 71 yard touchdown reception, which was more like a run because it came on a swing pass, Kentucky' offense led by quarterback Mike Hartline was downright pitiful. The Big Blue Faithful were restless. Boos can be heard cascading down onto the Commonwealth Stadium Field. I even heard a fan yelling at Offensive Coordinator Joker Phillips, telling him "You suck." That's how bad it was. Kentucky found themselves down 20-7 in the 4th quarter when the stands started emptying. But then something strange happened. The Cats offense actually showed a pulse.

Led by Mike Hartline and receiver/quarterback Randall Cobb the Wildcats score two touchdowns in under two minutes. The first one was a perfect 32 yard strike from Hartline to Cobb into the corner of the end zone. That made it 20-14 and some life was restored to Commonwealth. The defense which has been stellar all season long came up huge again with under 4:00 to go limiting the Razorbacks to a three and out. That's when Hartline and Cobb once again connected on a beautiful 21 yard touchdown to give Kentucky a 21-20 lead. Even though half of the Kentucky fans had already hit the exit the place erupted.

This come from behind win was one of the best in UK football history. They had to win this game. They did not want to go to Florida next week 4-3. Instead they stand at 5-2. Hartline who has been heavily criticized this season redeemed himself in the final 4:15 of this game. I talked with him afterwards an he says he deserved the heat he's been taking from fans. He knows he hasn't been playing well. But he did feel like he proved something at the end of the game against the Razorbacks. I don't know if Hartline is the answer for the Cats at quarterback but for this one night, maybe even one quarter he proved he could lead the offense.

How Bout Them Phillies

As a fan of Philadelphia sports I've learned never to count my chickens before they hatch. Never get too excited. There have been way too many close calls and heartbreaks over the years for me to get too hype about a season. But when the Phillies clinched their ticket to the World Series beating the Dodgers 5-1 I was, forgive the cliche', cuckoo for cocoa puffs. The Phighting Phils are going back to the fall classic for the first time since 1993.

The city of Philadelphia definitely needs a title. The last title one of the four major sports teams won was the Sixers in 1983. I was eight years old. The city is due. We've had the '93 Phillies who came up short. The 2001 Sixers lost to the Lakers in five games. And in 2004 the Eagles couldn't finish the job against the Patriots. That one was the most disturbing because they had them, but let them off the hook. But this group of Phillies are the ones to get it done.

They have a great pitching staff led by ace Cole Hamels. And the lineup is one of the best in the league. There are no easy outs with the Phillies. Jimmy Rollins is a solid lead-off batter. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard can change games with one swing of the bat. And Shane Victorino has been clutch throughout the postseason. The Phillies can win with the long-ball or as they've shown this postseason they can beat you with small-ball and pitching. They have a realistic shot a bringing home the title and I know the city is off the hook right now.

So bring on Boston or Tampa Bay. I don't think any team can stand in the Phils way right now.

Get This Election Over Already

If you're still trying to figure out who to vote for November 4th, don't turn to the cable news channels to get the information that'll help you decide. One thing I've noticed throughout all this political season is everyone has an agenda. I'm tired of hear from both the democratic and republican strategist. it's a total joke. You already know what they're going to say, and which side of the issues they stand on before they even open their mouth. Their blind support of their candidate is disgusting.

On MSNBC there's no doubt you're going to get the pro-Obama spin. From Keith Olberman to Chris Matthews and most their guests you know they are rooting for Obama. The same can be said about Fox News. Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly and most of their guests lean right. What happened to objectivity in the news business? Everyone is trying to get out their talking points.
It's hard to get an unbiased opinion on either candidate and for undecided voters that has to be frustrating.

If you're trying to come up with an informed opinion on either candidate, cable news is not the way to go. All you'll get is democrats and republicans spinning lies and taking shots at the other party. Instead of of listening to all these pundits I'm listening to the candidates. What they say and how they say it. Then I'm doing my own research. That's the only way you'll get through all the b.s. the cable networks are feeding you.

Game Over For Pacman?

If you haven't heard Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has been suspended at least four games for getting into a fight with his bodyguard. That's right, HIS bodyguard. The same guy the Cowboys hired to protect Jones, and keep him out of trouble is the same guy he got into a fight with. Alcohol was allegedly a factor in the fight. Pacman may have been drunk like a skunk, which would be a violation of his probation from a case in Georgia.

I really don't have too much of a problem with the fight with the bodyguard. Please, I know plenty of people who have been in disagreements, shouting matches, even the occasional shove-fest. In fact, there are a few people I know right now I wouldn't mind getting into a scrap with. But it's the fact that Pacman has a history of getting into trouble. He just came off a 17-month suspension a couple of months ago for several off the field incidents. Add that to the fact he may have violated his probation by getting into an alcohol related incident and I have no problem with the suspension.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he'll determine the full length of the suspension after the Cowboys game November 16th against Washington. In the meantime Pacman should serve his suspension like a man and hopefully learn from this latest mistake. Although it may be too late to salvage his NFL career.

VH1 Has Lost All Credibility In My Eyes

All this week VH1 is counting down the list of the 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs Ever. While I applaud VH1's efforts to recognize hip hop and it's impact on society, I have to say this is one of the worst lists ever. If you are going to make a list like this you should at least try to get it right. VH1 gets it wrong on so many levels.

VH1 reveals 20 songs each night starting from 100 down to one. From the first 20 I new this list was going to be bogus. It's a joke for Chamillionaire's "Ridin'" (#91) and N.E.R.D.'s "Lapdance" (#93) to be on anybody's top 100. But, but wait it gets worse. Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)" is number 90. What? One of the most influential and well crafted songs of all time is only number 90? That's easily a top 20 jam. Here's where the list loses all credebility. Cam'Ron's "Oh Boy" (#89), Three 6 Mafia's "Hard Out Here For a Pimp" (#80), J.J. Fad's "Supersonic" (#72), Mase's "Feel So Good" (#67), and Young MC's "Bust A Move" (#47) are all ahead of T.R.O.Y. That is blasphemous.

Any top 100 hip hop list without that song at least in the top 20 doesn't carry any weight in my opinion.

But that's not my only gripe. There are some glaring omissions on this so called 100 greatest list. Where's the Mobb Deep? "Shook Ones Part II". "Survival of the Fittest". Those are classics right there but they are nowhere to be found on VH1's list. "My Philosophy" (#49) is the only song by Boogie Down Productions on the list. KRS-One as a solo artist isn't even on there. What about "Criminal Minded", or "South Bronx"? These are songs that have shaped hip hop as we know it today. Without some of the classics of the past it's hard to put the bangers of today in their proper context.

Other than the obvious omissions, and the utter disrespect to "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)", my biggest gripe with the list is the top 10.

1. Public Enemy "Fight The Power"


2. Sugarhill Gang "Rapper's Delight"


3. Dr. Dre "Nuthin But A 'G' Thang"


4. Run-DMC ft. Aerosmith "Walk This Way"


5. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five "The Message"


6. N.W.A. "Straight Outta Compton"


7. Notorious B.I.G. "Juicy"


8. Snoop Doggy Dogg "Gin and Juice"


9. Salt-N-Pepa "Push It"


10. Kurtis Blow "The Breaks"

That's a pretty good top 10 list but there are some changes I would make. First off "Walk This Way" is not even Run-DMC's best rock song, but it's #4 of all time? "Walk This Way" is so overrrated in the pantheon of music it's unbelievable. Just because it featured Aerosmith people get their panties in a bundle over it. In all honesty it shouldn't even be on this list. What about "Rock Box"? That song will always be in my top 10. It's hard. The rhymes are dope and that beat is menacing.

Also "Fight The Power" is a great song. One of Public Enemy's best. In fact for this to be their only song on the list shows you how much VH1 really pays attention to hip hop. For my taste give me "Rebel Without A Pause" from P.E. anyday. Lyrically that may be the best hip hop song of all time.

"Attitude - when I'm on fire

Juice on the loose - electric wire

Simple and plain - give me the lane

I'll throw it down your throat like Barkley

You see my car keys - you'll never get these

They belong to the 9-8 posse

You want some more son - you wanna get some

Bum rush the door of the store - pick up the album"

Those bars right there still gives me the chills. The beat is crazy and Flava Flav and Chuck D. are in perfect step with each other on this track. Plus "It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back" is one of the top 5 hip hop albums of all time. For not a single song off that album to be on VH1's list is once again proof the list is wack.

Let me know what you think.

Major League Baseball's Love Affair With Chicago

Chicago is a great city. It's one of my top 10 cities in the entire world. Every time I go to Chicago have a blast. The Magnificent Mile is always thriving. Everyone should experience Wrigleyville once. Some of my favorite rappers (Common, Kanye West, Rhymefest) hail from Chicago. With that said I'm getting tired of Major League Baseball's obsession with its two Chicago teams.

Here's what has me upset. Back in September the Chicago Cubs were supposed to play a three game series in Houston against the Astros. But because of Hurricane Ike the Astros home field, Minute Maid Park, was unavailable and the first two games of the series had to be postponed. When the teams eventually did get to play that Sunday they didn't play in Houston. Not even in the state of Texas. Instead it was played in Milwaukee. What? Yes, the same Milwaukee that is roughly 90 miles north of Chicago. Major League Baseball's reasoning? MLB's Senior V.P. of Public Relations, Rich Levin says "What with all the rainy weather, the chief reason was finding a place where we knew we could get the games in. Miller Park has a roof. That was a determining factor." Puhlease. You mean to tell me not one of the other 27 stadiums around the country was available?

The Cubs went on to win the first two games (the third was never played.) Cubs Pitcher Carlos Zambrano even went on to throw a no-hitter in the first one. But there's no doubt having a pro-Chicago crowd even when Houston is the home team definitely helped out the Cubs. Major League Baseball should be ashamed of itself.

The other thing that has my blood boiling on this day is the American League Central tiebreaker between the White Sox and the Minnesota Twins. After 162 regular season games the two team finished tied for the division lead. Under MLB rules the teams have to play a one game playoff. To determine where the game was to be played there was a coin flip, with the White Sox winning the right to host the game. Are you kidding me? Next time why don't they just do rocks, paper, scissors. Or even have a thumb war between the two managers. I understand a coin flip is what the rules mandate, but when the Twins beat the White Sox 10 out of 18 times this season, the rule needs to be changed. Each team had the same number of home games in the series, and the Twins still came out on top. Instead of rewarding them for being the better head to head team they ultimately get punished by losing the coin flip.

U.S. Cellular Field was rocking for the one game playoff. And with the White Sox winning 1-0 there's no doubt the frenzied crowd gave them a boost. The win gives them the division and puts them into the playoffs. The Twins meanwhile are left on the outside looking in. I'm sure Major League Baseball is happy to have both Chicago teams in the playoffs. That hasn't happened since 1906. But in my eyes a couple of their regular season wins are questionable thanks to MLB.

Let me know what you think.

Proof Anything Can Happen In College Football

There are certain things in life that are supposed to be guaranteed. Death. Taxes. And this year, no way USC loses to Oregon St. Take all those things to the bank right? Wrong. The top ranked Trojans and all their 5-star recruits, and future NFL Draft picks got hoodwinked Thursday night against the Beavers. Oregon St. had not beaten a team ranked number one in 41 years. Thursday night they looked like they should be ranked No. 1 and USC an also ran in the Pac-10.

Right from the start you could tell it was going to be a line night for Pete Carroll's team. The mighty Trojans offense which had been averaging nearly 44 points a game got stuffed on their first possession. The Beavers on the other hand moved down the field at will scoring on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Lyle Moevao to James Rodgers. Ballgame.

After that touchdown Oregon State and their fans believed they could win. That's all you need is a belief. The Trojans had no answer for Jacquizz Rodgers. He carved the USC "D" up for 186 yards and two touchdowns. The final score ended up being 27-21 but the Beavers played from ahead the whole game. This one is just proof that anything can happen in college football.

State of the Cards, Cats and Hoosiers

A third of the way through the college football season it's time to take stock of where the Cards, Cats and Hoosiers stand.

Louisville's 26-21 loss to Connecticut on Friday was a step back for a team out to prove it is going to be a contender in the Big East Conference. Here's the problem I have with the loss. The Cardinals out-gained the Huskies by more than 200 yards. The Huskies starting quarterback Tyler Lorenzen broke his foot in the second quarter. And the Cards still couldn't win. All signs pointed to a Louisville victory but somehow this Cardinal team messed it up. Hunter Cantwell, who's a fabulous guy but made a critical error late in the game, should not have even been playing at that point. He hurt his ankle in the third quarter and it was obvious he wasn't a 100%. He says his ankle isn't the reason why he threw an interception to Lawrence Wilson. That may be so, but he was 2-9 after the injury, with two interceptions. He clearly wasn't himself.

At 2-2 the Cards still have plenty of time to make noise in the Big East. The schedule is still favorable, with the toughest games remaining at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. But a team coming off a 6-6 season, one which has won its last two games, cannot afford to give away a game like Friday's against a quality opponent.

Kentucky fans have to be encouraged by the teams 4-0 start. Sure the struggled against Middle Tennessee State but the Cats have done what they needed to do before conference play. We know the UK defense is legit. Through four games they're only giving up a national best 5.5 points a game and are 4th in total yards allowed per game.

I'm not sold on the offense however. I like the running backs, although the running game hasn't lived up to its full billing. But the passing attack is suspect. Sure quarterback Mike Hartline has only thrown one interception but he's also only thrown three touchdowns. He's going to have to elevate his game if they're going to be competitive in the SEC. It's not good enough to just manage a game. He's going to have to make plays.

Overall the Cats are a solid crew who are only two wins away from their third straight bowl game. But looking at the road ahead there are definitely no guaranteed wins on the schedule.

In my opinion the Indiana Hoosiers have won the games they were supposed to and lost the ones they were supposed to. At 2-2 the Hoosiers really need to pull off some upsets if they're going to become bowl eligible for the second straight season. Kellen Lewis is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. The offense is ranked 18th in the nation in total offense. But on the other side of the ball the defense is ranked 62nd in the country. The "D" is also giving up 25 points a game.

Looking at the schedule the Hoosiers have a tough road to hoe. While the Big Ten may not be the power it once was there's still some quality teams and until the Hoosiers prove they can beat the conference's elite there's no reason to think they can do it this year.