In 2015, DeAngelo Williams chose to wear special eye black in support of Breast Cancer Awareness despite imminent penalties. Williams has been very vocal, calling for support. Williams feels a responsibility to advocate for those who must fight breast cancer.
“Breast cancer, whether I like it or not, is part of my family's story.” Williams wrote in a 2014 Sports Illustrated article. “That's why I am so passionate about raising awareness, because I have seen firsthand how it can impact others.”
DeAngelo Williams’ mother and four aunts all fought and died from Breast Cancer, and he’s been watching them suffer most of his life. In honor of his family members and those with breast cancer, he chose to wear the eye black and was than fined for this small first-time uniform infraction. He then continued his campaign dying the tips of his hair pink.
“When breast cancer took my mom, it met its biggest enemy,” Williams told the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance.
Williams has consistently advocated for breast cancer awareness. Worrying not of the penalties and fees, Williams has used his status as an NFL player to reach audiences. He believes women should get tested more and rather than waiting for October breast cancer should be thought of year round.
"It's not just about October for me; it's not just a month, it's a lifestyle. It's about getting women to recognize to get tested," Williams told Lisa Salters of ESPN in 2015.
Williams continues to push for a cure because he knows how it affects people first hand. He payed for 53 mammograms to honor his mom who had died from breast cancer. Williams has founded “The DeAngelo Williams Foundation” which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the eradication of breast cancer. Despite all his efforts, Williams is far from satisfied.
"I don't ever feel like I do enough," Williams told Molly Grantham from WBTV.
Authored by Gabriel Cuilan, Bruce Mayfield
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Monday, April 3, 2017
Randy Orton takes strong stance against National Anthem protests
WWE superstar Randy Orton has voiced a strong opinion in the ongoing protests concerning the National Anthem and the fight for rights in America. Orton has took a strong stance on Colin Kaepernick and his decision to kneel during the National Anthem, as he feels that kneeling during the National Anthem is not the right way to go about the issue.
NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has carried out many protests in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement. He has decided to kneel down during the National Anthem before every game in attempt to show people that he will not stand by and do nothing while black people are oppressed throughout the country.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Sports writer and podcast host David Zirin backed Colin Kaepernick’s actions in a contentious tweet.
“Sneering? More like shaking my head. Courage? Lol riiiight. Courage. That’s what it takes to stand up and fight, not raise a fist,” Orton said.
The next day, a woman questioned Orton’s remarks in a tweet regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Black people are dying randy. Where's your anger for that,” the woman asked.
Orton responded in yet another tweet regarding the issue, claiming that the issue is not limited to a certain race.
“Americans are dying. Pigment of skin doesn't matter. American people matter,” Orton stated.
Orton then doubled down on his opinions on the ongoing protests when interviewed in a podcast on the radio show Heated Conversations on Houston's Sports Radio 610, hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.
“I basically said that Americans are dying, no matter the color of their skin, Americans are dying. And I also said courage is what it takes to stand up and fight, not kneel or raise the fist during the National Anthem.”
Orton was crystal clear in expressing his opinion on Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem. He went on to explain how he has nothing against Colin Kaepernick.
"The issues he's kneeling for, I respect that he is kneeling for those issues," Orton said to Booker T. "I just disagree with his way of showing that it's an issue to him. You hear a lot of people say 'he sat the bench, he's looking for attention', whether that's true or not. Listen he's got a voice he's in the public eye, that's what all those social media followers are for.
"I want to hear what the man has to say. And in the recent weeks he's talked about what his issue was, and again I respect those issues man this world is a scary place. People are dying. There's a lot of issues and everyone needs to unite together, as hard as that may seem Book, and talk about the issues. Kneeling when the National Anthem is played, when the Pledge Of Allegiance is played, I just disagree with the way that he did it. That's all."
A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49er quarterback and free agent, will be standing for the national anthem before games next season.
“Kaepernick no longer wants his method of protest to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created, sources told ESPN. He also believes the amount of national discussion on social inequality — as well as support from other athletes nationwide, including NFL and NBA players — affirmed the message he was trying to deliver,” Schefter said in March of 2017.
Though Kaepernick is still 100% behind the cause, his kneeling may have cost him his career.
“No GM will go near him ever again,” an anonymous NFL GM stated.
While Kaepernick’s actions and remarks may have placed a major dent in his career, Orton continues to play a huge role in the WWE. This coming April Orton will be headlining the biggest pay per view in the WWE, Wrestlemania, as he faces Bray Wyatt, his former companion, for the WWE championship.
NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has carried out many protests in favor of the Black Lives Matter movement. He has decided to kneel down during the National Anthem before every game in attempt to show people that he will not stand by and do nothing while black people are oppressed throughout the country.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."
Sports writer and podcast host David Zirin backed Colin Kaepernick’s actions in a contentious tweet.
WWE star Randy Orton went against Zirin’s remarks in another tweet that counteracted Zirin’s beliefs.If you're sneering that it doesn't take courage to raise your fist during the anthem, then you're one of the reasons why it takes courage.— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) September 20, 2016
“Sneering? More like shaking my head. Courage? Lol riiiight. Courage. That’s what it takes to stand up and fight, not raise a fist,” Orton said.
The next day, a woman questioned Orton’s remarks in a tweet regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Black people are dying randy. Where's your anger for that,” the woman asked.
Orton responded in yet another tweet regarding the issue, claiming that the issue is not limited to a certain race.
“Americans are dying. Pigment of skin doesn't matter. American people matter,” Orton stated.
Orton then doubled down on his opinions on the ongoing protests when interviewed in a podcast on the radio show Heated Conversations on Houston's Sports Radio 610, hosted by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T.
“I basically said that Americans are dying, no matter the color of their skin, Americans are dying. And I also said courage is what it takes to stand up and fight, not kneel or raise the fist during the National Anthem.”
Orton was crystal clear in expressing his opinion on Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem. He went on to explain how he has nothing against Colin Kaepernick.
"The issues he's kneeling for, I respect that he is kneeling for those issues," Orton said to Booker T. "I just disagree with his way of showing that it's an issue to him. You hear a lot of people say 'he sat the bench, he's looking for attention', whether that's true or not. Listen he's got a voice he's in the public eye, that's what all those social media followers are for.
"I want to hear what the man has to say. And in the recent weeks he's talked about what his issue was, and again I respect those issues man this world is a scary place. People are dying. There's a lot of issues and everyone needs to unite together, as hard as that may seem Book, and talk about the issues. Kneeling when the National Anthem is played, when the Pledge Of Allegiance is played, I just disagree with the way that he did it. That's all."
A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Colin Kaepernick, former San Francisco 49er quarterback and free agent, will be standing for the national anthem before games next season.
“Kaepernick no longer wants his method of protest to detract from the positive change that he believes has been created, sources told ESPN. He also believes the amount of national discussion on social inequality — as well as support from other athletes nationwide, including NFL and NBA players — affirmed the message he was trying to deliver,” Schefter said in March of 2017.
Though Kaepernick is still 100% behind the cause, his kneeling may have cost him his career.
“No GM will go near him ever again,” an anonymous NFL GM stated.
While Kaepernick’s actions and remarks may have placed a major dent in his career, Orton continues to play a huge role in the WWE. This coming April Orton will be headlining the biggest pay per view in the WWE, Wrestlemania, as he faces Bray Wyatt, his former companion, for the WWE championship.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Should performance enhancing drugs be legalized?
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| Performance Enhancing Drugs / Wordonfire.org |
With so many players getting caught using PEDs, some have come to the conclusion that PEDs should be allowed in professional sports. In Major League Baseball alone, 31 athletes have been caught doping and in the National Football League over 20 athletes have also been caught doping. On a global scale, the Olympics and the Tour de France potentially face a great doping problem.
“Eighty percent of the Tour de France medalists between 1996 and 2010 have been similarly tainted by doping',” according to a 2013 USADA report on Lance Armstrong.
By legalizing PEDs and allowing all players to use them, the drugs could be monitored and regulated. This would allow players to take the drugs in safer and more knowledgeable conditions, leveling the playing field for all players. By doping, players could hit harder, run and react faster, putting the game on a higher level.
Extreme records could be achieved and this is shown through top athletes who have taken PEDs, like seven consecutive winner of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong. Even though legalizing these drugs seem like it would make the game better, it wouldn't fix all of the issues that already exist. In addition, it would bring forth new problems.
If PEDs become regulated, they are still dangerous and can injure players. After seeing their heroes take drugs, it may influence children to take drugs as well. There are many side effects to taking drugs like heart and circulatory problems. Knowing these severe risks, it is hard to justify the legalization of these drugs
Allowing PEDs to be available to all athletes may not even level the playing field, since some players have a moral code against using drugs or are scared of the risks it presents. Sports are considered to be so sacred because they showcase the pinnacle of human skill. By taking drugs, it would no longer be about how far a human can push himself, but on well we can create them.
“We want humans to do superhuman things -- but only in a very human way. Yes, you can try to make steroids legal. That doesn't mean they will ever seem OK,” Michael Rosenberg wrote in a 2010 Sports Illustrated article.
Written by Justin Wu and Kofi Odame
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Do fans take it too far?
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| Dani Alves eating a banana thrown by a fan | LaRed.com |
Some of the most popular cases of player harassment have been reported worldwide. In 1994, Nancy Kerrigan, skating star and Olympic medalist, had just finished a practice routine when she was struck on the knee by an assailant, bruising it. A member of the audience threw a banana at FC Barcelona soccer player Dani Alves in 2014. It seems as if there is no way to protect athletes from such scenarios, as fans are still able to harm them.
“Athletes perform in huge ballparks and arenas,” Mark Hyman said in a 1994 BaltimoreSun.com article. “They travel through airports and are as recognizable as any Hollywood movie star. Is there any way to protect them from obsessed fans determined to reach and maybe hurt them?”
One might ask, why do fans boo athletes? Although not many answers have been given to this question, some possible theories are to teach their team a lesson for playing poorly, or to show the other team how much they are hated. One fan believes that booing and harassing players is their right, since they paid to see them, and will only support athletes when they perform well.
“Why do we do it?” Hunter Davies said in a 2013 NewStatesman.com article. “It’s our right, innit? We have paid our money, we can do what we like. We want them to do good things, then we’ll cheer. We love the club dearly, always hoping for better things, so feel personally let down when they play rubbish.”
Some fans have even gone so far as to invade athletes’ social media. From personal insults to death threats, fans see no boundaries to the hateful comments and tweets.
“SANCHEZ BETTER HAVE ARMED SECURITY WEDNESDAY AT PRACTICE!!” Twitter user @BraveGrancru said to New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2012. “YOU THINK IMMA SIT HERE & WATCH THIS [expletive]?? TUHHH!”
With all the threats received from fans, players cannot help but worry about their families’ security. If an athlete’s primary concern during a game is the safety of his relatives in the stands, he/she will not be able to focus on the match.
“The last thing a player wants to be concerned with while playing in a game is the safety of his family inside the stadium,” Akbar Gbajabiamila said in a 2012 NFL.com article. “As players, we are all too aware of the security threat that fans of the opposing team pose to our families.”
Policymakers are stumped as to how they can reduce the threat posed by fans, and as to what means they can use to prevent situations of fan abuse in the future. Despite increased security implementations, fans have continued to find ways to get up close and personal to players.
Written by Muhammad Abid Hasan & Ismail Elomri
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The first active NBA player to come out
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| Joshua S. Kelly - Wikimedia Commons |
He could have revealed his sexuality in the middle of a season, but decided not to because it could cause problems during the season. Collins' decision to wait until the end of the season before announcing this shows his maturity. It shows he thinks about how his decision may affect the game and the players in it.
The public is taking the sports illustrated article very seriously and is showing their support for him. Many people are revering him because of his courage to admit that he is a homosexual. “I couldn’t be prouder,” President Barack Obama said.
Not everyone is showing support for Jason Collins. Some people think his decision is wrong. NFL player Leroy Butler was supposed to make a presentation about anti bullying in a church in Wisconsin. Butler posted a tweet congratulating Collins, and as a result, the church said Butler couldn’t make his presentation. The church was against him supporting Collins and in order to make his speech they asked him to remove the tweet and ask for forgiveness, which he declined.
Collins is similar to Jackie Robinson in the way he is changing the NBA. He is the first active gay NBA player which can draw lots of resentment. This is similar to when Jackie Robinson was one of the first African Americas to play in the Major Leagues. Collins may face resentment, but hopefully many people will accept him like Robinson.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Banning college football
College football has become a major part of college campus life. For some colleges it is the major focus, even more than actual education. That is a problem. It is a distraction for the players, where only a small percentage of them actually get to play professional football, colleges spend insane amounts of money on the football program, and finally it causes the unpaid players to get hurt. Banning college football might be the only solution.
College football is a major distraction for the players themselves, but also the students that don’t even play football. Journalist Buzz Bissinger said during an Intelligence Squared debate, “It sucks all the air out of the room.” The player themselves spend nearly all their time on playing, not only during the season but also in the off-season to train, instead of doing what they really should at a college; learn.
College football costs a lot of money. The money goes to coaches, stadiums, gear, and so on. Urban Meyer, head coach for The Ohio State University, earned $24 million over six seasons. The University of Maryland spent $50.8 million to modernize their stadium. "These
schools travel enormous distances to play games. So that means you're missing
class, you're spending money," Bissinger said to Gothamist.com. This is a college. Colleges are for education, so shouldn’t all these millions be spent on better education than sports programs?
Playing football causes major brain injuries. Professional football players know the risks, and get compensated for it by earning a lot of money. College football players get a scholarship to the school, but does this really make up for the brain injury they may suffer? “I have no problem whatsoever with grown men choosing to participate in a potentially lethal profession. But college is a different matter,” journalist Malcolm Gladwell said to Sportsillustrated.com.
Banning it does seem like a very drastic solution, but maybe the only one. Make a minor league paid by the NFL instead of having players play at college. That way it won’t be a distraction for college students, while football players playing in the minor league will be able to focus their full attention on playing, instead of also trying to pass their classes. Also the focus of colleges and universities, and thereby money, will turn back to education.
College football is a major distraction for the players themselves, but also the students that don’t even play football. Journalist Buzz Bissinger said during an Intelligence Squared debate, “It sucks all the air out of the room.” The player themselves spend nearly all their time on playing, not only during the season but also in the off-season to train, instead of doing what they really should at a college; learn.
Playing football causes major brain injuries. Professional football players know the risks, and get compensated for it by earning a lot of money. College football players get a scholarship to the school, but does this really make up for the brain injury they may suffer? “I have no problem whatsoever with grown men choosing to participate in a potentially lethal profession. But college is a different matter,” journalist Malcolm Gladwell said to Sportsillustrated.com.
Banning it does seem like a very drastic solution, but maybe the only one. Make a minor league paid by the NFL instead of having players play at college. That way it won’t be a distraction for college students, while football players playing in the minor league will be able to focus their full attention on playing, instead of also trying to pass their classes. Also the focus of colleges and universities, and thereby money, will turn back to education.
Should college football be banned?
Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States;
it’s played everywhere and by people of all ages. College football is a level
below the biggest stage in football, the NFL. Although college football is
widely accepted by fans and players, some people feel that football has an
overall negative effect on players’ physical and academic progress.
Even though college football can help college students
succeed in sports and have the opportunity to attend college because of scholarships, it does cause
students to consider football over academics. Football exploits players for
their school's selfish purposes, but one of the main reasons for banning college
football is the amount of head injury players receive during their football
playing career and the negative impact there is on their future. Malcolm Gladwell, a Canadian author and journalist, spoke in a nytimes.com article about
the pictures he’s seen of people’s brains and how it looked like they were run
over by a truck. “I’ve seen pictures of the brain scans of people with C.T.E.,”
he said, referring to the trauma-induced disease, “and it looks like someone
drove a truck across their brain.” Gladwell is concerned about how football negatively
affects a player’s brain in the long run to a point where the brain can no
longer function properly because of the amount of hits they take.
College football should be banned because players that don’t
make it to the NFL end up finishing college with mediocre grades and have to give
up their football dream. In the long run the former football players will develop conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) because of the hard hits received to the head. Overall
playing football for four years in college isn’t worth the amount of pain you’ll
receive in the future when the players start noticing the affects of their concussions.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Matt Barkley, possibly 2013 best NFL rookie?
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| Matt Barkley throwing a football Neon Tommy/ Flickr.com |
This gives a ray of hope to USC, for with Barkley’s skill, it’s possible to accomplish two important things: another Heisman award and also a chance to win the national championship.
Each year Barkley has shown more and more improvement. During his freshman year, Barkley had a 59.9% passing percentage, 15 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The next year, he improved to a 62.6% passing percentage, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Last season, Barkley, improved again with a 69.1% passing percentage, 39 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. This coming season, it’s predictable the amount of touchdowns he throws will increase and the amount of interceptions will be even lower than in previous years.
Now being predicted to be the first pick of next year’s NFL draft, everyone has high expectations for him. Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian told Los Angeles Times, "If I'm an NFL head coach, right now, I'd pick Matt Barkley ahead of Andrew Luck. I think he's playing at that high of a level." Let's hope Barkley could live up to Coach Sarkisian's hope and all of the other of his supporters.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Ryan Braun overturned steroids conviction
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| Ryan Braun - Steven_Paluch - Flickr |
This is the first time in history of baseball that has successfully challenged a steroid related punishment. He could have been suspended for 50 games if his second test was denied.
Braun was tested at the beginning of the playoffs and learned in late October that he had reached the level of testosterone usage. According to a person who knows about the results said that the test showed a prohibited substance in Braun’s body, but not a drug or a steroid.
Soon after the first test result came out, Braun took a second test in an independent laboratory, and the second result showed that he had normal level of testosterone.
So which test shows the real results? The first test shows that Braun is taking steroids and the second test that Braun did in an independent laboratory showed that he had normal levels of testosterone?
Well, Braun himself was really happy with the result of the second test. "It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side," Braun said.
While Braun is claiming that he did not take steroids, Dino Laurenzi Jr., the man who collected Braun's first urine sample claims that he was doing what he was being instructed to do; however, Braun argued that keeping a sample at a collector's home violated baseball's drug testing rules.
Laurenzi has worked for the Major League Baseball's Comprehensive Drug Testing since 2005 and performed more than 600 collections during four separate seasons and for five different teams. Laurenzi said that the sample was sealed correctly and was not tampered with. He says that he kept the samples in the basement of his home over the weekend until FedEx opened and could ship them immediately like any occasions.
For now, Braun is still playing for the Milwaukee Brewers but if Braun starts to hit fewer home runs, and steal fewer bases after the test, then suspicions would arise about Braun's positive test.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Is anyone really responsible for the Patriots’ loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI?
Who is to blame for the Patriots' loss to the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI? Football is a team sport where one shouldn't carry the whole team to a victory. Many sources such as ESPN and Yahoo Sports blame Wes Welker for the dropped pass and Tom Brady for the inaccurate pass, even though there are other factors that was crucial to the game, such as the 38-yard pass to Manningham late in the fourth quarter that gave the Giants momentum and confidence to get the win. “He wasn’t the only one dropping passes.” said a Pawngo company spokesman in a Daily News article. It was just a broken connection between Brady and Welker, and that happens every time, even in professional sports.
Welker, leading the NFL with 122 receptions, is one of the best active wide receivers without a doubt. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, he makes that grab," fellow receiver Deion Branch to ESPN. "It's football. Nobody's perfect." Even his teammates support him, and they don’t blame him for the dropped pass. “He’s a hell of a player," Brady said to NFL.com. "I’ll keep throwing it to him as long as I can.” In the Super Bowl, Welker completed seven of eight targeted passes. The dropped pass turned out to be the most crucial.
This season, Brady proved to doubters that he still is one of the best players in the NFL. Brady won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and is also a three-time MVP and a seven-time Pro Bowler. Not only that Brady knows how to dodge tackles and move on his feet, but he is also one of the most accurate throwers in the league. The chances of the Patriots going to the Super Bowl without their amazing quarterback is very slim, so it’s not really logical to blame Brady for the loss. If you watch the highlight of the throw to Welker, you can see two safeties near Welker, so maybe Brady had a difficult decision not knowing where to throw, making sure the pass wouldn’t be intercepted. It’s not really the quarterback’s throw that cost the Patriots the most important game of their season.
In each football game, there are a few plays that would decide who will win the game. In this game, the dropped pass by Welker was just one of them. It isn’t really fair to put the blame only on this pass. Something that could’ve happened was Patriots forcing a turnover, either an interception or fumble and not allowing Giants to finish their final drive that won the game. Also, if they didn’t have the 12-players on a field penalty earlier in the game. That would’ve given them the fumble recovery early in the game in the first quarter; those plays would’ve made a big difference.
The Patriots missed many opportunities during that last drive. The AP reported, “The Patriots also had several drops on their final drive, and there were many more plays that cost them their fourth Super Bowl championship in 11 years.” It shows that maybe the Patriots aren’t so good under pressure. “It always comes down to one or two plays in this game. If you make it, you’re celebrating. If you don’t, you don’t sleep for a week.” said Tom Brady to NFL.com. No one is really at fault for this dropped pass, because missed opportunities happen often in professional sports.
Welker, leading the NFL with 122 receptions, is one of the best active wide receivers without a doubt. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, he makes that grab," fellow receiver Deion Branch to ESPN. "It's football. Nobody's perfect." Even his teammates support him, and they don’t blame him for the dropped pass. “He’s a hell of a player," Brady said to NFL.com. "I’ll keep throwing it to him as long as I can.” In the Super Bowl, Welker completed seven of eight targeted passes. The dropped pass turned out to be the most crucial.
This season, Brady proved to doubters that he still is one of the best players in the NFL. Brady won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and is also a three-time MVP and a seven-time Pro Bowler. Not only that Brady knows how to dodge tackles and move on his feet, but he is also one of the most accurate throwers in the league. The chances of the Patriots going to the Super Bowl without their amazing quarterback is very slim, so it’s not really logical to blame Brady for the loss. If you watch the highlight of the throw to Welker, you can see two safeties near Welker, so maybe Brady had a difficult decision not knowing where to throw, making sure the pass wouldn’t be intercepted. It’s not really the quarterback’s throw that cost the Patriots the most important game of their season.
In each football game, there are a few plays that would decide who will win the game. In this game, the dropped pass by Welker was just one of them. It isn’t really fair to put the blame only on this pass. Something that could’ve happened was Patriots forcing a turnover, either an interception or fumble and not allowing Giants to finish their final drive that won the game. Also, if they didn’t have the 12-players on a field penalty earlier in the game. That would’ve given them the fumble recovery early in the game in the first quarter; those plays would’ve made a big difference.
The Patriots missed many opportunities during that last drive. The AP reported, “The Patriots also had several drops on their final drive, and there were many more plays that cost them their fourth Super Bowl championship in 11 years.” It shows that maybe the Patriots aren’t so good under pressure. “It always comes down to one or two plays in this game. If you make it, you’re celebrating. If you don’t, you don’t sleep for a week.” said Tom Brady to NFL.com. No one is really at fault for this dropped pass, because missed opportunities happen often in professional sports.
Who should take the heat?
In Super Bowl XLVI, there were many instances where the New England Patriots could have put the game away. The most crucial and controversial play in the Super Bowl was in the fourth quarter. Tom Brady, the quarterback for the Patriots, threw the ball behind a running Wes Welker. This resulted in Welker trying to make a difficult pass but in the end he dropped the pass. Welker, who caught 122 passes for 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns during the regular season, probably missed the most important catch of the season.
During the fourth quarter, the Patriots were leading 17- 15 with about four minutes remaining in the game. The Patriots were on their second down with 11 yards to go when Wes Welker ultimately dropped the ball. This incomplete pass then led to the New York Giants getting the ball with four minutes to get a touchdown. The blame may be all on Welker but Brady should be blamed just as much. (Click here to see the slow motion video of the play.) At the time of the play Brady had at least three more seconds to settle himself before making the throw which could have resulted in a more accurate pass. Also when the pass was finally made, Welker tried to spin in order to catch the ball but seems to misjudge the ball's speed and reach for it early which resulted in him losing control and dropping the ball.
This play could have made all the difference in whether the Giants won, but the blame should not all be entirely on Welker. Both Brady and Welker had faults on that play and should take the heat equally. If Brady took a bit more time to make the pass then Welker might catch the ball and if Welker tracks the ball correctly then maybe he could have made the play that lead in the Patriots to win the Super Bowl.
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| Super Bowl 2012- Marsmet543- flickr |
During the fourth quarter, the Patriots were leading 17- 15 with about four minutes remaining in the game. The Patriots were on their second down with 11 yards to go when Wes Welker ultimately dropped the ball. This incomplete pass then led to the New York Giants getting the ball with four minutes to get a touchdown. The blame may be all on Welker but Brady should be blamed just as much. (Click here to see the slow motion video of the play.) At the time of the play Brady had at least three more seconds to settle himself before making the throw which could have resulted in a more accurate pass. Also when the pass was finally made, Welker tried to spin in order to catch the ball but seems to misjudge the ball's speed and reach for it early which resulted in him losing control and dropping the ball.
This play could have made all the difference in whether the Giants won, but the blame should not all be entirely on Welker. Both Brady and Welker had faults on that play and should take the heat equally. If Brady took a bit more time to make the pass then Welker might catch the ball and if Welker tracks the ball correctly then maybe he could have made the play that lead in the Patriots to win the Super Bowl.
Friday, December 16, 2011
NHL’s new social media policy for players
The National Hockey League enforced a new policy approved by the National Hockey League Players’ Association, restricting the use of social media applications by its players. Taking effect for the 2011-2012 season, the policy includes a social media blackout period that starts two hours before the game, lasting until are post-game interviews are over.
The policy was created in order to make sure certain information isn’t leaked out to the public, as well as false information that could go against the NHL’s league rules. It was also made to prevent people from betting on the game using information that is not approved. Players are asked to be cautious of what they post online. Failure to follow the policy would result as a fine to the player. “The policy is sensible. It lets our players and clubs participate substantially in the opportunity of social networking while identifying and mitigating some of the risks. To date, our players and clubs have been exemplary in connecting with fans on social networks, and fans should not expect to see any material difference as a result of this policy," said Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on a CbsSports.com article.
The National Football League and the National Basketball Association have been using this policy for about two years. Major League Baseball has been using a social media policy for a shorter time. The NHL was one of the last leagues to implement a social media policy because they felt that their players don’t engage into social media, as much as the players from the other league.
One of the most active tweeters in the NHL, Paul Bissonnette, a left winger for the Phoenix Coyotes, does not seem to have a problem with it. “People asking about NHL’s new policy on Twitter. I think it’s good. I don’t even play much and I don’t tweet on game days. Plenty of off days,” he said to TheStar.com. New York Islander Michal Grabner also tweeted, “Heard there will be a social media policy in the NHL ... good thing most our my tweets are about food, napping or video games #dontwanttobefined.”
Though a policy has been administered, there should not be any changes in the way players communicate with the use of social media. Players are restricted from revealing certain information; however the public will continue hearing from them.
The policy was created in order to make sure certain information isn’t leaked out to the public, as well as false information that could go against the NHL’s league rules. It was also made to prevent people from betting on the game using information that is not approved. Players are asked to be cautious of what they post online. Failure to follow the policy would result as a fine to the player. “The policy is sensible. It lets our players and clubs participate substantially in the opportunity of social networking while identifying and mitigating some of the risks. To date, our players and clubs have been exemplary in connecting with fans on social networks, and fans should not expect to see any material difference as a result of this policy," said Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on a CbsSports.com article.
The National Football League and the National Basketball Association have been using this policy for about two years. Major League Baseball has been using a social media policy for a shorter time. The NHL was one of the last leagues to implement a social media policy because they felt that their players don’t engage into social media, as much as the players from the other league.
One of the most active tweeters in the NHL, Paul Bissonnette, a left winger for the Phoenix Coyotes, does not seem to have a problem with it. “People asking about NHL’s new policy on Twitter. I think it’s good. I don’t even play much and I don’t tweet on game days. Plenty of off days,” he said to TheStar.com. New York Islander Michal Grabner also tweeted, “Heard there will be a social media policy in the NHL ... good thing most our my tweets are about food, napping or video games #dontwanttobefined.”
Though a policy has been administered, there should not be any changes in the way players communicate with the use of social media. Players are restricted from revealing certain information; however the public will continue hearing from them.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
The Jets burn while taking to the air
Rex Ryan, the head coach of the New York Jets, has made some major changes to their offense since last season. With LaDainian Tomlinson nearing the end of his career, the pressure has been moved to the Jets’ passing game, with quarterback Mark Sanchez having to throw the ball more than ever.
The Jets’ rushing game has taken a pounding since the beginning of the season. Tomlinson was the star of the beloved “Ground and Pound” routine. Now the spotlight shines bright on running back Shonn Greene, who has failed to live up to expectations. From strictly a statistical point of view, Tomlinson had 435 yards in the first five games of being a starter in the 2010 regular season; whereas, Greene barely made half of that in the first five games of the 2011 season. Although stats don’t usually prove a player’s worth to a team, in this case they can’t be ignored.
While the rushing game was left in the dust, the pressure of scoring fell onto the shoulders of the Jets’ supposed-to-be-star quarterback. Sanchez has been the only one to throw the ball for the Jets in the regular season thus far, and he hasn’t taken them far. Although he has two full seasons of experience under his belt, he still doesn’t seem to be adapted to playing in the National Football League. He makes mistakes that are typical for rookie quarterback such as overthrowing the ball and taking sacks instead of throwing it away.
The lack of scoring from both the passing and rushing game could also be the mistake of the Jets’ offensive line, which has been having trouble blocking the opposing team’s defense. The line is still anchored by their star center, Nick Mangold, who is arguably one of the best centers in the NFL, but somehow Sanchez keeps on getting sacked and Greene keeps on getting tackled behind the line. The lack of chemistry could be a factor for the weak line. From last year, there have been many changes in personel. The players on the line are not used to working with each other, which has provided the quarterback with little protection.
The offense of the Jets has taken a turn for the worse this season. From passing to rushing to blocking, not much has gone right for them this season. For the Jets to have any chance at making the playoffs, Greene needs to be able to find and exploit holes in the defense, Sanchez needs to connect with his receivers, and the linemen need
to work together and protect the guys behind the line.
The Jets’ rushing game has taken a pounding since the beginning of the season. Tomlinson was the star of the beloved “Ground and Pound” routine. Now the spotlight shines bright on running back Shonn Greene, who has failed to live up to expectations. From strictly a statistical point of view, Tomlinson had 435 yards in the first five games of being a starter in the 2010 regular season; whereas, Greene barely made half of that in the first five games of the 2011 season. Although stats don’t usually prove a player’s worth to a team, in this case they can’t be ignored.
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| Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez warming up before a game. Credit to Marianne O'Leary on Flickr. |
The lack of scoring from both the passing and rushing game could also be the mistake of the Jets’ offensive line, which has been having trouble blocking the opposing team’s defense. The line is still anchored by their star center, Nick Mangold, who is arguably one of the best centers in the NFL, but somehow Sanchez keeps on getting sacked and Greene keeps on getting tackled behind the line. The lack of chemistry could be a factor for the weak line. From last year, there have been many changes in personel. The players on the line are not used to working with each other, which has provided the quarterback with little protection.
The offense of the Jets has taken a turn for the worse this season. From passing to rushing to blocking, not much has gone right for them this season. For the Jets to have any chance at making the playoffs, Greene needs to be able to find and exploit holes in the defense, Sanchez needs to connect with his receivers, and the linemen need
to work together and protect the guys behind the line.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Greg Salas, a new hope for the St. Louis Rams
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| St. Louis Rams Wide Reciever, Greg Salas. Photo by Johnny Andrews | jandrews@post-dispatch.com |
Salas currently leads the Rams with 27 receptions over the course of just six games and is second on his team with 264 yards, just 31 behind Brandon Gibson. Despite his efforts, Salas had not been able to lead the Rams to a victory. The Rams stand 1-7, and they aren’t stepping up their game. Salas, however, has been improving. He started off the season with just one reception, but now he is averaging five receptions a game. Unfortunately for Salas, just as he was beginning to become a key player, his season was cut short.
On November 6th, the St. Louis Rams were playing the Arizona Cardinals, it was their eighth game of the season and the Rams were the closest they had been to a victory in a long time. Salas had been playing well the whole game, amassing six receptions. As he caught the seventh ball of the game and ran down the field, he was tackled by Arizona linebacker Darryl Washington and broke his fibula. The Rams coach, Steve Spagnuolo, said on Tuesday, “Somebody fell on him. The guy who was tackling him got underneath ... I’m not so sure there was anything Greg could do about that. The guy tackled him and fell on his leg.”
The loss of Salas is going to be a major setback; he was starting to impact the team every game and would probably have led the Rams to a long awaited victory. He had become the Rams inside slot and was a favorite target of both quarterbacks Sam Bradford and A.J. Feeley. It is going to be tough to replace Salas, so everyone is hoping for a speedy recovery.
The beginning of Mason Foster's career
Rookie linebacker Mason Foster was chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 3rd round of the draft. With his 41 tackles, Foster is showing a lot of promise.
Barret Ruud, the previous linebacker for the Buccaneers, had the experience and knew how to play the game, but what he missed was the violence and toughness that is needed for good linebacker play. That’s what Foster has.
Already in the preseason, Foster got his first fine. He got it because of a dangerous tackle on Chad Ochocinco. The fine was on $20,000, however Ochocinco offered to pay it because he thought that the tackle wasn’t dangerous, but the way that the game is meant to be played. "Great hit last night, if u're fined I'll reimburse u boss. That's the way the game should b played. Stay healthy n have a good yr," wrote Ochocinco on Twitter.
The accident isn’t going to change the way that Foster plays. "The only way I know how to play is like that. If they're going to fine people, I can deal with it. But my objective is to play hard as I can," Foster said.
In the third game that the Buccaneers played in this season, Quincy Black, the Buccaneers captain of the defense, was out of the game because of an injury, therefore Foster got the transmitter, which is used for calling out what is happening in the game to the other team players, that ended with him getting 10 tackles, 1 sack and a forced fumble in that game. "It felt pretty natural. I've played linebacker my whole life. So getting the calls and making all the checks, we've got other linebackers out there, too. It's not just me. It's the whole defense. You've got Geno Hayes, Sean Jones, so they helped me out a lot. But it felt good to be out there in charge of the defense," he said.
The next Buccaneers game Foster is also going to have the transmitter. “In the beginning, I was trying to take stuff off his plate to ease it for him; to slow it down for him. And he's embracing a bigger role than I even anticipated, and it's been beautiful,” said coach Raheem Morris. Foster has proven that the Buccaneers made a good draft choice.
Barret Ruud, the previous linebacker for the Buccaneers, had the experience and knew how to play the game, but what he missed was the violence and toughness that is needed for good linebacker play. That’s what Foster has.
Already in the preseason, Foster got his first fine. He got it because of a dangerous tackle on Chad Ochocinco. The fine was on $20,000, however Ochocinco offered to pay it because he thought that the tackle wasn’t dangerous, but the way that the game is meant to be played. "Great hit last night, if u're fined I'll reimburse u boss. That's the way the game should b played. Stay healthy n have a good yr," wrote Ochocinco on Twitter.
The accident isn’t going to change the way that Foster plays. "The only way I know how to play is like that. If they're going to fine people, I can deal with it. But my objective is to play hard as I can," Foster said.
In the third game that the Buccaneers played in this season, Quincy Black, the Buccaneers captain of the defense, was out of the game because of an injury, therefore Foster got the transmitter, which is used for calling out what is happening in the game to the other team players, that ended with him getting 10 tackles, 1 sack and a forced fumble in that game. "It felt pretty natural. I've played linebacker my whole life. So getting the calls and making all the checks, we've got other linebackers out there, too. It's not just me. It's the whole defense. You've got Geno Hayes, Sean Jones, so they helped me out a lot. But it felt good to be out there in charge of the defense," he said.
The next Buccaneers game Foster is also going to have the transmitter. “In the beginning, I was trying to take stuff off his plate to ease it for him; to slow it down for him. And he's embracing a bigger role than I even anticipated, and it's been beautiful,” said coach Raheem Morris. Foster has proven that the Buccaneers made a good draft choice.
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