Score one for The Evil Empire: BCS TKO's MWC / A summation of 2008 BCS Corruption

Contrary to popular opinion, The Evil Empire is not the New York Yankees. Rather it is the College Football Bowl Championship Series. Why? Simply put, so-call conference commissioners are ravaging any playoff hopes in the pursuit of money and power. It is a power play of such epidemic proportions that undoubtedly many dissertations have been written on this very subject.

The BCS is undeniably inept and corrupt. Remember last season when it became painfully obvious to the tartiest of dolts that there needed to be a playoff system in college football? Though it was clear to all honest and reasonable persons at its outset in 1997.

This week, the Mountain West Conference reluctantly signed onto the agreement, knowing that if they did not do so they would lose their potential consolation at-large bid and funds to help their football programs continue to evolve.

They did so, knowing that it would continue to be the same system that relegated a team like the 2008 Utah Utes (13-0) to the ranking of number two and snub them from a championship game that they so rightfully deserved.

We all remember how haywire the system was:

• USC was practically anointed to go to the championship game. They faced an uphill battle after losing at Corvalis to a good Oregon State football team that ended up being ranked #18. No amount of blowout victories could quite give USC redemption. Though, one could argue that cosmic justice was served as Pete Carroll, the USC head coach suddenly became an outspoken critic of the BCS. In USC's recent golden years of going undefeated a weaker conference, yet going unquestioned to the championship game, Carroll was unwilling to admit to the flaws that were grossly inherent in the system.
• Then how about Texas. They beat then #1 ranked Oklahoma at home, 45-35. Despite the belief of most pundits that Oklahoma would have easily won by ten or more on their home field, the BCS had no problem proclaiming Texas to be in the national championship game if they held serve.
• Alas then Texas Tech Red Raiders came onto the scene, beating the Texas Longhorns 39-33. Suddenly, they were championship contenders. And oddly enough, that loss not only propelled the Red Raiders, but it pushed the Longhorns behind the Oklahoma Sooners in the BCS rankings. What? As the great Gob Bluthe would say, "C'MON!
• Then when Texas Tech failed to punch their championship ticket, losing 65-21 at Oklahoma, all of the sudden the trio of Big Twelve teams that round robbin beat each other (Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech) were no longer in the championship picture. Instead we were looking at undefeated Alabama vs Florida. Undefeated Utah had beat Michigan at The Big House, beat #12 TCU and even if and when they beat #14 BYU it would not matter. Nobody was crying bloody rape about it, though we certainly saw that another Boise State type football team would not get the chance to leave it all on the field, with all due respect to the greatest game in college football history (as I am referring to rankings, not heart).
• And why was Utah, a viable championship contender completely denied any realistic shot at being in the championship game? If you said it is because there is no playoff system in place or you chose that the corrupt BCS that favors "big conference teams" then you'd be correct. In this case Utah's credentials were overlooked. They had to wait and see if the heavens aligned and one loss teams, USC, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and possibly even Penn State would all lose their second games. Preposterous.

• Florida would be the chosen one (literally chosen) after a win over then undefeated Alabama.. This despite Florida losing to unranked and unhallowed Ole Miss. Though to be fair to Ole Miss; they were a good Oregon State type football team that probably deserved to finish in the top 25 as they went 9-4, only losing by a combined 19 points in there four losses. But alas, the media's obsession with Tim Tebow and their desire for his 'pledge' to come full circle in a Disney type, high selling story clearly gave the Florida the edge over the undefeated Utah, and other one loss contenders like USC, Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama. And without getting into mind numbing details, the schedule strengths and wins were generally of a comparable nature.
  
• The third estate's marginalizes any "small conference team" that comes along, thus propping up the corruption that is inherent in the sytem, to paraphrase Monty Python. Face it, a BYU, Utah, Boise State, Fresno State or whoever can be the best team or one of the best teams. But it is basically like a top Nascar race car starting in the 50th position in a 20 lap race.
• In the end, Oklahoma got the nod as the other one loss team to take on Florida in the national championship
  

In the end, Oklahoma got the nod as the other one loss team to be in the national championship. And what happened to Alabama, who would have went to the championship and would have denied Florida a championship game by simply winning their conference match-up? They would lose their BCS game to none other than the undefeated Utah.

Utah, the team which according to the BCS merited no consideration to be in the national championship game beat Alabama, who would have been assured a championship game with an undefeated season. It was as if they saw the opportunity to punch a corrupt system in the face and they took it!

Although, other fans like myself simply did not dignify a paper trophy championship, with some due respect to Florida and Oklahoma. I did not tune into a single down of that sham of a championship. Many Mountain West administrators likely did not either.

But sadly, those same indignant administrators caved by signing into the BCS through 2013. Or perhaps they took what they viewed as the best option on the table for their conference. After all, without the possibility of an at-large bid into one of BCS non-championship games, the schools would suffer financially and practically.

They could have taken the higher road and been a martyr, but perhaps that was not prudent (for them personally, besides the teams they represent). Instead the Mountain West had their eight team playoff idea shot down by ten other conferences and Notre Dame. This happened amidst, Senate hearings into whether the BCS broke anti-trust laws. But in these crazy times when ABC owns ESPN, General Electric owns NBC, the government has big stakes in AIG and GMC and many sports are natural (supposedly regulated) monopolies, why would we expect anything to come of those hearings?

Fans, you have to tune out if you want to see change. Money is the only language the "big conferences" know.
Picture 1: BCS corruption drawing
Picture 2: Utah fans celebrate their 13-0 2008 season
Picture 3: 'Bribery'

There is crying in baseball; For Milton Bradley

There is crying in baseball. At least in the Milton Bradley version of it. And Shots Heard is not referring to some sort of board game. Almost a year ago to the day, Shots Heard wrote about just how much of a baby Milton Bradley is ('Message to Milton Bradley: There is no crying in baseball!!!!').

Now Bradley is back and crying some more and if Stewie Griffin were here he would be telling Bradley to go home and cry to his mommy, Cedric Benson style. How is it that the guy who pouts and cries the most is going to complain that the Cubs have a different set of rules for him? Such is the case as Bradley lamented following a confrontation between Cubs manager, Lou Pinella and himself, in which Lou Pinella told him to go home.

Bradley further cried, "Because of the mistakes I've made in my career, I don't get the leeway other guys get to a certain extent."

Yes! That is exactly the case you piece of expletive as Lou Pinella would say (and did say, according to both Pinella and Bradley). When you have a history, the consequences get tougher. Ever hear of Three Strikes And You're Out, Mr Bradley? And I do not mean baseball, but rather the California law that locks up repeat felons for life.

If Bradley thinks people want to take crap from people who are supposed to be learning their lessons and taking their lumps then he is dillusional. Bradley is lucky to even have a job, let alone be worried about rules regarding his behavior. The ole axiom, shape up or ship will undoubtedly be falling on him here. Shots Heard doubts that he realizes that.

Picture: Milton Bradley argues with an umpire

Courtney Lee: Shipped to New Jersey

Courtney Lee, your blown lay-up in the 2009 NBA Finals cost your Orlando Magic the chance to win an NBA Championship, what are you going to do next?

It is not going to be going to Disney World. In fact, Disney World is shipping your ass to New Jersey.

Lee refused to take responsibility for the loss in post-game interviews. His existentialism was lost on the Orlando front office. Obviously they did not want a guy around that refused to take any responsibility a game winning lay-up as the Magic trade him in a deal netted the Magic, Vince Carter. It is also no coincidence that problem child, Rafer Alston was dealt along with Lee.


On paper, one might think the Magic are the proverbial do what it takes to win now team. But truly, they would rather not have traded for an overpriced, high maintenance player like VC who is entering his twilight years, when Courtney Lee had already proven himself as a capable two guard that could start and play 35 minutes per contest.

Picture 1: Courtney Lee reacts to missing a would be winner in the 2009 NBA Finals.
Picture 2: Courtney Lee's misses a potential game winning lay-up in the 2009 NBA Finals.

Kobe's Lakers one and done?

Congratulations NBA fans. Coming off the weakest NBA season in a quarter century, you are now being rewarded with odious pronouncements designed to quell your minds into twirling rapturous beliefs that next year's NBA season will only transcend you into a golden era of star-studded domination.

We hear from some, the Lakers will absolutely repeat. Others mention that the trio of Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu and Dwight Howard will only continue in their progression and thus they have been anointed the Eastern Conference's team to beat.

Now for the reality check. Should the hypochondriac, Kobe suffer a real injury, the Lakers are the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only that, even at full strength we saw how difficult it was for them to beat the various mediocre teams in the Western Conference.

Clearly, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are not the twin tower combo that is worthy of mention in the likes of David Robinson/Tim Duncan and Ralph Sampson/Hakeem Olajuwauon.

Lamar Odom will still be the guy that shows up on some nights and not on others. Kobe will still be the me-first player. And the Lakers will still have no point guard. Despite all of that, they are arguably as good as anyone. Last I checked, that is not the type of shortcomings that dynasties are made of.

The Magic still have a coach that only screams. It may be just as well, when you have up and comers like Courtney Lee who cannot accept responsibility for choking at the end of championship games. The Magic needed seven games to beat the KG-less Celtics. We can argue that they passed the Cavs as the second best team in the conference. But nothing about them jumps out as a championship pedigree.

We are exactly where we left off last year. The Celtics and Lakers are a smidge ahead of the rest of the competition. But with guys like Dwayne Wade and Dirk Nowitzki in the shadows, Jerry Sloan coached Utah Jazz teams and the like, we know that anything is possible and that the talking heads making definite claims are merely blabbing.

The draft and free agent signings will have a tangible effect on the balance. Not too mention, if the Spurs can do a quick remodeling, we know that the trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili when healthy are still the champion of champions in this current National Basketball Association.

Enjoy the 2010 NBA season, but know that absolutely nothing is in stone. As the great Doc Brown would say, the future is not written.

Serena Williams: You can take the girl out of the hood....

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life. Those are the classic words of Dean Wormer (Animal House). Serena Williams has at least two of those three attributes. Change the drunk adjective to selfish and we can just call it a derivative match.

Following her third round victory at the 2009 French Open, Williams went off on a diatribe about how her opponent Maria Jose Maria Sanchez was a cheater for not telling the umpire that a ball ruled in her favor had went off her arm and therefore the point should have went to Williams.

But there are three grotesque flaws in Williams's argument.

First, she is being a hypocrite. She would have never claimed that ball went off of her forearm if the roles were reversed. Williams has never overruled a call that was wrong that went in her favor.

Second, for Williams to complain so much, following a victory is sad even though replays confirmed that she was right about that particular issue.

Third, Williams sat there and went on about how she would never do anything to disrespect 'The Tour' or its players. But then in the very next breath she admitted to threatening Sanchez if she came to the net (following the cheating argument). Williams laughed it off stating that we should remember that she was from Compton.

Williams apologists may write it off that Williams was speaking tongue and cheek. But we should not be so gullible. While Williams may have been speaking light heartedly, this is really a Freudian slip that lets us view at the real her.

Remember that the Williams sisters dumped their father, who was also a money grubbing manager. But in that case, liquidity was thicker than blood. And it was that high life mentality that allowed the Williams sisters to live it up while their half sister was off living the crack whore life that would end up in a murderous ending.

It is Williams's me-first attitude that made her want to quit in the first round of one tournament due to a supposed injury. When she was informed that she would forfeit $75,000 she finished her match. Winning did not motivate her, just the thought of losing her payday, despite the fact that she has already pocketed $14 million in her career (to date).

But to add insult to alledged injury, William went on to complain that she could not be taking that type of hit in this economy as she would need that loot to spend on furniture for her new mansion. Does it make you feel good to know that Serena Williams thinks she feels your plight?

Williams that is ranked number two to Dinara Safina, who has not even won a major. This due to the fact that Williams would rather just show up for the much higher paying Grand Slams and take her camera time and metaphorical giant checks and pretend that we are all so much better for her making an appearance.

Williams is an overpaid bafoon. Her lack of character is what cost her the opportunity to be the female version of Tiger Woods. If you see her on television, just save yourself some life and flip the channel.

And on a side note to Maria Jose Maria Sanchez: Get a presentable name. You're in the big leagues now. Oh and you are also on Earth. You do not need two Marias in your name. You do not need a Jose in your name. Get with it lady. You better ask somebody.

Picture: Maria Jose Maria Sanchez gets in forearm by Serena Williams

2009 NBA Finals Prediction

2009 NBA Playoff Prediction Results (To Date): 10-4
2008 NBA Playoff Prediction Results: 15-1

Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic

Pick: Magic

Just about all the 'experts' have the Lakers. The proverbial geniuses had the Lakers over the Celtics in last year's championship series as well.

Truth be told this is the weakest finals match-up in the last quarter of century. Yet the seeming parity of the teams could make for one of the most exciting series in recent memory. How is that for irony?

Dwight Howard is the physical center that will finally challenge Pau Gasol. Shots Heard also likes the Magic's ability to spread the court against the Lakers mediocre defense. Had either the Magic or Nuggets hit shots as consistently as the Magic, the Lakers would have been dispatched already.

All of that said, the Lakers have a great player in Kobe Bryant who possibly learned in last year's championship that he cannot do it by himself. If he can keep the league's best regular season offense running on all cylinders then they may be able to consistently pour in points and turn solid leads into wins if Orlando goes cold from the arc.

Shots Heard really does not know who will win this series. The one thing we know is that if the Magic do win that it will not have anything to do with the 'Master of Panic,' Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy. We deeply lamented when Boston choked their 3-2 semifinals lead away. That meant more panicy yelling from Van Gundy on timeouts and useless press conference diatribes from the man that looks like a mix between hedge hog and Ron Jeremy. He is as smart as the lesser of the two also.

Picture: Orlando Magic head coach, Stan Van Gundy

Fran Tarkenton: The Bitter Has Been Speaks About Favre

Fran Tarkenton, a 'Minnesota Vikings Great' (quarterback) has came out strong against Brett Favre. Here are Fran's bullet points from recent radio interviews:

• Brett Favre un-retiring to play for the Minnesota Vikings would be "despicable."
• He is really tire of the will he, won't he (Favre) play.
• The Atlanta Falcons got rid of Favre because of his attitude (This is the first Shots Heard is hearing of such accusations.)
• He could not cut the mustard with the New York Jets.
• The Packers treated him perfectly for his entire career, including his post retirement.

Tough talk for a guy that is zero for three in Super Bowls and consequently lives in the shadow of three-time MVP Brett Favre in the Upper Midwest and nationally. Could this be sour apples? Favre is the man that has smashed Tarkenton's records, such as the all-time touchdown and passing yard records to name a couple.

The man that once paid $147 thousand in fines to the SEC due to unethical business practices now has no problem forging his name into the Brett Favre controversy on the heels of his book release, 'Every Day Is Game Day.' How great is the irony of a has-been and in some ways a never-was sticking his nose in trying to trump the man that already trumped him?

How ironic is it that Favre's detractors are always playing the ruined legacy card, yet we see Fran jumping into the fray with no regard for his paper thin legacy? Thus we see the arrogance that was so obtuse that his opponents literally tried to end his career on every hit.

2009 NBA Conference Finals Predictions

2009 NBA Playoff Prediction Results (To Date): 9-3
2008 NBA Playoff Prediction Results: 15-1

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #3 Denver Nuggets

Pick: Lakers

The Lakers do not play defense and their point guard play is sub par. Teams do not win championships with that equation. Might the Lakers be the exception ?

Denver can win this series but they would have to likely win two at the Staples Center, including a Game 7 in which the Lakers would figure to get so many calls that Doug Christie may call the Nuggets to express his sympathies, making sure to raise the phone in the air, before, during and after the call of course.

The Nuggets certainly match-up well enough with a hot point guard in Chauncey Billups and a scorer Carmelo Anthony that can rival Kobe Bryant's numbers on any given night. As well, the Nuggets are a defensive minded team which is the main key to beating the Lakers.

But are the Nuggets really that composed? Kenyon Martin's off court antics can distract the team. Meanwhile, Marcus Camby is not in the mix to stop the Lakers effective, albeit over-rated and over-hyped twin tower combination of Pau Gasol and Andruw Bynum. Add to that, Chauncey Billups legs are not getting any younger and Carmelo Anthony is not a defensive stopper at the 2 or 3, nor do the Nuggets have such a specialist in the wings.

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #3 Orlando Magic

Pick: Cavaliers

In the Eastern Conference there are the Cavaliers and then everyone else (recognizing the fact that a KG led Celtics is not part of the equation this year). The idea that the master of panic, Stan Van Gundy could lead the Magic to 59 wins is repulsive. By the way, one did not have to be a Celtics fan to root for the Magic to lose, so that we did not have to see him scream meaningless rants at his players during timeouts.

In this years playoffs, the Cavs destroyed the Pistons (who beat the Magic last year) and then made the Atlanta Hawks look like the freshmen team. Maybe the Magic will take this six games, but it's better to put your chips on the Cavs in four or five. LBJ and Mo Williams will tear up a team that has to depend on Hedo Turkoglu to handle the ball at the end of games.

Split Picture: Lebron James

Top five 2009 NHL Playoffs story lines so far

1. New Jersey Devils blow Game 7 at home.

With a minute and 22 seconds left in Game 7 of their first round series, the New Jersey Devils led the Carolina Panthers 3-2 at home. But then every sports fans worst nightmare of choking away a Game 7 occured.

Martin Brodeur, possibly the greatest goalie in hockey history gave up two goals and the Panthers went on to win the series.



2. Ovechkin vs. Crosby.

Various sports marketers are desperate to turn the Alexander Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby rivalry into hockey's version of Magic vs. Bird. Finally the two met in a second round playoff match-up that went seven games, with Crosby coming up on top.

The seven game series was a nice way to officially begin hockey's most riveting rivalry. But the Penguins vs. Capitals still pales to Celtics vs. Lakers.

3. The 24-7 Daddies take a quick exit.

Last year, the Montreal Canadiens continued their run as the most dominating team of a Boston franchise, even surpassing the New York Yankees dominance of the Boston Red Sox. This year the Bruins took a measure of revenge, by sweeping the Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. The series win puts the series victories tally at 24 and eight for the Bruins. Thus Bruins fans can no longer call the Canadiens their '24-7 Party Daddies.' But they do know who their daddies are.

4. Charles Barkley calls Alexander Ovechkin the best athlete in sports (click here).

5. Game Sevens qued up for the last three Stanley Cup Winners.

The defending champion Detroit Red Wings will host the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals. The Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers, who won the Stanley Cup in 2006, hope to become the Boston Bruins surrogate daddies and beat them in a game 7 at Boston after they were unable to close out the Bruins at home. Could we see a repeat of another late minute game 7 comeback from the Panthers?

Picture: Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals

NBA: 2009 Second Round Predictions

Shots Heard went 15-1 last year on NBA playoff predictions. Shots Heard went 7-1 on 2009 NBA Playoffs First Round predictions.

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs #5 Houston Rockets

Pick: Rockets

Going into the playoffs I had the Lakers penciled in as the Western Conference Champions. But now I have some doubts. The Rockets are almost exactly the type of team that the Lakers dread playing for the following reasons:

* The Rockets have a speedy point guard that can exploit the much slower Derek Fisher.
* The Rockets have two very good defenders that can match-up with Kobe Bryant. They being Ron Artest and Shane Battier. And unlike a Bruce Bowen, they are not specialists that would be playing big minutes for the sake of the team's regualar adhesion.
* The Rockets have a huge center in Yao Ming that can combat the size of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
* The Rockets have a power forward, Luis Scola that is more consistent than Lamar Odom.
* The Lakers rely on outscoring their opponents. The Rockets are a defensive minded team.When their defense wins out, Kobe will jack up iladvised shots.

Ron Artest will need to make plays on the offensive end. But the Rockets will need to remember to center their offensive play on Yao Ming. They can usually get good post shots or open shots off of the double team when they do that.

#2 Denver Nuggets vs #7 Dallas Mavericks

Pick: Nuggets

Like the Celtics of last year, the Nuggets thrive when their defensive intensity is undaunted. But they are not as talented or experienced as those Celtics so someone will beat them before too long. But they get the nod over the Mavericks.

Eastern Conference

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs #4 Atlanta Hawks

Pick: Cavaliers

NBA executives are likely still sulking about their being no Dwayne Wade vs. Lebron James match-up. They may continue to feel queezy if this one goes seven games like it just might do.

#2 Boston Celtics vs #3 Orlando Magic

Pick: Celtics

The Celtics desperately miss KG on both ends of the court. But I will still take Ray Allen and Paul Pierce over Dwight Howard when the game is on the line.

Picture: Ray Allen, Boston Celtics shooting guard