A Winless Season?

A Winless Season?

 By: Kevin Green

As every other team in the NBA starts to compile wins early in this abbreviated season, the Wizards have yet to win one game: eight games, eight losses.  As one of the few true Wizards fans, ever since the end of Gilbert Arenas’ reign when he was the king of Washington basketball, I have become immune to the Wizards losing night in and night out.  I have begun to accept the fact that no matter how many lottery picks we get and how much money the Wizards’ front office spends on “stars,” it seems like the Wizards are allergic to winning.

Out of the seven teams they have played so far, four of them have losing records.  Despite their relatively easy schedule, however, the Wizards are currently 29^th in points per game out of the 32 teams, 26^th in rebounds per game, 29^th in assists per game, and 19^th in points allowed.  Like any sport, no matter how good your defense is, if you cannot score, you can’t win.  This has proved to be very true with the Wizards this season.

Aside from John Wall, the team’s only bright spot, the rest of the team is simply not very good.  However, that is not the only problem that is plaguing the team early in the season.  The other reason is that they are not giving their heart and soul on the court every possession of every game.  It is common to see players like Andre Blatche and JaVale McGee take plays off and allow their opponents to dominate them.  It kills me to watch their games, and watch players clearly slack off when others, like Wall, are pouring their heart and soul into doing everything possible to win games.  One example of this lack of passion occurred just hours before the Wizards played the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Blatche had not looked over the scouting report, and in awe stated: “Damn, Kevin Love shoots 42 percent from three point range?”  The fact that Blatche had not even glanced at the scouting report, and had just expected to shut down one of the best players in the league, is embarrassing for one who calls himself a professional athlete.

Many times during a game, after a missed shot or a score by the other team, John Wall will take the ball and sprint down court, attempting to take advantage of the other team sleeping.  However, sometimes he catches his own team napping, and he will end up being the only Wizard down court trying to make a play while his entire team is nonchalantly jogging down the court.  In this highlight reel dunk by Wall earlier this season, if you look at the other Wizards players on the court, there is still one player at half court when Wall dunks, and two other players standing around watching Wall try to single handedly win the game.  No teammate even attempt to follow up for a possible second chance basket or rebound.  This is a perfect example of the lack of effort the Wizards have shown this season.  And their winless record has been the result.

During their first eight games this season, the Wizards have had a real chance to win only one of those games.  The Wizards lost to the Knicks 99-96 after giving up a game winning three-pointer to Carmelo Anthony.  The problem is not that one of the best players in the league made the game winning shot, it is that the Wizards gave up this three uncontested and left one of the best players in the league wide open.  As you can see, Trevor Booker thought Anthony pushed off in order to get open.  However, the refs did not call the offensive foul, and Booker just stopped playing and allowed Anthony to get off an uncontested shot, one that he will likely make 9 out of 10 times.  Once again the Wizards lost a game for lack of hustle and discipline.

As of now, the Wizards are giving up an average of 97.8 points per game, while only scoring 84.9 points a game.  Getting outscored by an average double-digit margin borders on pathetic.  Their lack of points, rebounds, and assists are all a result of the absence of urgency and desire on the part of the players, and the Wizards will struggle getting any wins this season the way they are currently playing.

With the 6th pick, the Washington Redskins select… RG3

With the 6^th pick, the Washington Redskins select… RG3

  By: Kevin Green

Now that the 16 game NFL regular season has come to an end, the playoffs will begin this Saturday.  As unfortunately has been the case in recent years, the Washington Redskins finished with a losing record and failed to make the playoffs.  They also finished last in the NFC East for the fourth year in a row.  The Redskins have not made the playoffs in six long years, and have not won the division since 1999.  Obviously, something needs to change dramatically in Washington for the Redskins to return to their winning ways, back to the days when they won three Super Bowls in nine years.

That something would be acquiring Baylor quarterback and Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III, also known as RG3, with the 6^th pick in the upcoming NFL draft.  Earlier in the season, it was thought that the Redskins would lose enough games to land the number one pick and get the prospect of the century, Andrew Luck.  Unfortunately, it looks as if the Indianapolis Colts will draft him as the number one overall pick.

Robert Griffin III has come onto the college football scene this year out of nowhere, and surprised many analysts and college football fans with winning this year’s Heisman Trophy.  Griffin led the Baylor University Bears to an impressive 10-3 record, and a win in the Alamo Bowl.  Griffin and the Bears shocked many people when they started off their season beating 14^th ranked TCU.  Throughout the season, Griffin also led Baylor to upsets against 5^th ranked Oklahoma and 22^nd ranked Texas, as Baylor finished the season ranked 12^th in the country.  To top off the season in the Alamo Bowl, Griffin led Baylor as they put up a whopping 67 points en route to beating Washington.

Individually, Griffin finished the season with 4,293 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 10 rushing touchdowns, and a 72.4% completion rate.  Griffin ranked in the top 10 in all of college football in completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and quarterback rating.  Along with winning the Heisman Trophy, the pinnacle of college football awards, Griffin also won the Davey O’Brien Award, which goes to the best quarterback in all of college football.

Robert Griffin III is hands down the most athletic and best duel-threat quarterback in college football.  Whenever there is a breakdown in the pocket, many running quarterbacks, like Michael Vick and Tim Tebow, look to run immediately.  However, Griffin uses his speed and agility to escape the pocket and give his receivers more time to get open and make a big play.  Griffin illustrated this scenario perfectly with his game winning touchdown throw to upset 5^th ranked Oklahoma.  However, when Griffin does decide to run, it brings an entirely different dimension to his game.  His running threat forces defenses to worry about both facets of his game equally.  Standing at 6-2, it is rare to see a taller quarterback still able to be effective in the run game.   Many analysts believe Griffin’s deep ball is the best part of his game.  Time and time again, Griffin puts perfect touch on his long throws to hit his receivers in stride for touchdowns.

It is an understatement to say that the Redskins desperately need a new quarterback.  In the past twelve seasons, only twice have the Redskins started the same quarterback all 16 games.  To put that in perspective, Peyton Manning started all 16 games for the Colts for 13 consecutive seasons.  Currently, the Redskins’ starting quarterback is Rex Grossman.  Grossman is currently ranked 29^th out of the 32 teams in quarterback rating, arguably the most important statistic for a quarterback.  He is also ranked 24^th in completion percentage, and 18^th in passing yards and touchdowns.  But there is one statistic where Grossman is ranked in the top three quarterbacks in the league: interceptions.  Throughout the season, Grossman threw more interceptions than touchdowns, which is embarrassing for an NFL quarterback. He also rushed for a lowly one touchdown this season.  Grossman is in his 9^th season, and at 31 years old, he is not getting any younger.

All of these reasons demonstrate why the Redskins desperately need to draft young, duel-threat quarterback sensation Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL draft.  With all of the young talent on the Redskins roster, Griffin fits perfectly into Washington’s offense.

Although the NFL is still dominated by conventional quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees, more and more teams are starting to utilize duel-threat quarterbacks: such as Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles, Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos, Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers, Seneca Wallece of the Seattle Seahawks, and Tavaris Jackson of the Minnesota Vikings.  The Redskins need to draft RG3 if they want a chance to contend for a Super Bowl in the near future.

 

Surprise Surprise

Surprise Surprise

By: Kevin Green

With the first month of the upset ridden college basketball season underway, the Georgetown University men’s basketball team has had surprisingly consistent success.  Entering the season unranked and under the radar of every college basketball analyst, the Hoyas have slowly but surely risen to a top 25 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll, and are currently sitting at 16^th.  The Hoyas success is due to exceptional play from the veterans, solid production from the underclassman, outstanding team basketball, and clutch shooting.

Senior guard Jason Clark and 6’10” center Henry Sims lead the 2011-2012 squad, and both have proved they can lead their team through tough wins early in the season.  Clark is leading the team in points with and impressive 16.2 per game.  Early in the season, Sims has proved he can do it all for the Hoyas.  He is averaging 12.1 points a game, 5.4 rebounds, and is surprisingly leading the team in assists with 3.7 per game.  It is uncommon for the starting center to lead a team in assists.

Another key component to the team is junior forward Hollis Thompson.  He declared for the past NBA draft, however withdrew in order to play his junior season for Georgetown.  Thompson is currently second on the team in scoring with 14.7 points per game, and second in rebounding with 5.6 boards per game.

Sophomore power forward Nate Lubick and point guard Markel Starks round out the starting five for the Hoyas.  Lubick is second on the team in assists with 2.6 per game a third in rebounds with a solid 5.4 points a game.

Lastly, the freshman forward Otto Porter from Missouri has been a pleasant surprise for the Hoyas.  He is scoring an impressive 8.7 points per game for a freshman and leading the team in rebounds with 5.7 per game, and averaging 27.2 minutes a game, thethird highest on the team.

Early in the season, the team is hitting on all cylinders.  The Hoyas are led by the two seniors and Thompson, with the help of the two sophomores, and have received much needed production from the freshman Porter.

The Hoyas started off the season on a strong note, defeating Savannah State by 29 points and UNC- Greensboro by a whopping 41 points.

The next week, the Hoyas traveled to Maui, Hawaii for the Maui Invitational, a prestigious tournament with powerhouses such as Kansas, Memphis, Tennessee, UCLA, and Duke.

Georgetown did not face its first real opponent until their third game of the season against number 12^th ranked Kansas in the Maui Invitational.  The Hoyas, the obvious underdog against the much superior Kansas Jayhawks, kept fighting the entire game, but ultimately lost by only four points 67-63.  During the game, the Hoyas proved that they can keep up with any team In the country, showing good defense and an even point distribution, the keys to a solid team.  Seven players played over 22 minutes in the game, and Otto Porter provided a much-needed spark off the bench and scored 12 points.

After easily beating Chaminade by 27 the next week, the Hoyas faced their biggest challenge of the season in the fifth place game of the Maui Invitational: number 8 ranked Memphis Tigers.  In another hard fought game as the underdog against a top-10 ranked opponent, this time Georgetown was on the winning side and defeated Memphis 91-88 in overtime.  After the Kansas game, Georgetown Coach John Thompson III was “a little disgruntled after the Hoyas couldn’t come up with the big plays down the stretch” (ESPN).  However, the Hoyas made just enough plays to get the victory, led by Jason Clark’s 26 points and Henry Sims’ 24 points and eight rebounds.

After getting back from Maui, the Hoyas continued their success and killed IUPUI by 23 points.  Three days later, Georgetown faced their third test against 12^th ranked Alabama.  In a well-defended game by both teams, the Hoyas won 57-55 after junior Hollis Thompson sank a deep three-pointer with two seconds left in the game to give the Hoyas a two point win.  The Hoyas kept the high powered Alabama offense to a mere sixteen points in the first half, a season low in scoring for the Crimson Tide.  Jason Clark once again led the Hoyas in scoring with 22 on 7-11 shooting for the field, and an impressive 4-7 from three-point range.

In their last two games, the Hoyas rolled over NJIT and former Potomac School star PJ Miller by 40 points, and beat local DC University Howard by 14 points.

The Hoyas have looked extremely impressive in their first nine games, beating the likes of ranked Memphis and Alabama, and almost knocking off ranked Kansas.  When Big East play starts, as they play six ranked teams and a tough in-conference schedule, we will really get to see what Georgetown is made of and whether they can keep the winning train moving down the tracks.

Something’s Got to Give

Something’s Got to Give

By Kevin Green

Last Wednesday, According to ESPN.com, four gunmen kidnapped Washington nationals’ catcher Wilson Ramos. That’s right, you heard correctly… kidnapped. The four armed men entered Ramos’ house in native Venezuela and took him away in an SUV. This is one of the stranger stories in sports in the last couple of years.

Usually, when I think of kidnapped, the image of a young child lured by an adult pops up in my mind; however, I never think of professional athletes when I think of the words kidnapped or abducted. The reason kidnappers abduct professional athletes and their families are for ransom money. Even though these are highly trained millionaires who seem untouchable, this abduction illustrates that anyone can be kidnapped. The problem these days with athletes is that they do not have enough protection for themselves and their families. Too many athletes are abducted and murdered without an increase in protection following each tragedy.

Although this is the first case where the professional athlete has been abducted, athletes and their families native to Venezuela are very susceptible to kidnapping. In 2009, eight armed men kidnapped Former professional baseball player Victor Zambrano’s mother on his farm in Villa de Cura Venezuela. She was released three days after the kidnapping. However, nine days before his mother’s kidnapping, Zambrano’s cousin, Richard Mendez Zambrano, was kidnapped and later killed. Despite his brothers death, Zambranodid not make sure his family was protected, illustrated by his mothers kidnapping the next week.

Earlier in 2009, Colorado Rockies Venezuelan catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s 11-year-old son and his two uncles were kidnapped. The abductors wanted $500,000, however, they let them go unharmed without any ransom money.

Lastly, in 2005, former Venezuelan pitcher Ugueth Urbina’s mother was kidnapped and held captive for five months before being rescued. Over the past few years, especially in Venezuela, kidnapping professional players or family members for ransom has increased tremendously without any increased safety.

However, in the US, although an athlete has never been kidnapped, they are often targets for robberies and homicides. Just four years ago in 2007, which still feels like yesterday, beloved Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was shot and killed during in his home during a botched robbery. During the robbery, Taylor attempted to protect himself, his girlfriend, and his daughter, who were both asleep during the scuffle, with a machete he kept by his bed. This weapon was obviously not enough to protect himself. Ironically, eight days earlier, while Taylor was with the team at an away game, someone broke into his house looking to steal his belongings. Despite this forewarning, like Zambrano, Taylor did not get more protection for himself and his family.

In 2005, similarly to Taylor, Eagles defensive End Jerome McDougal was shot after three armed robbers attempted to steal his Mercedes. Unlike Taylor, however, McDougal survived the shooting and returned to the Eagles in 2006.

These robberies, murders, and kidnappings are becoming much more prevalent in professional sports. It is plain and simple: athletes need more protection. Whether it be more bodyguards, more intensive security systems, or help from the local police force, professional athletes need better safety. Now that athletes are signing contracts worth more than 100 million dollars, it is imperative for them to hire more bodyguards or better protection for themselves and loved ones.

For example, on episodes of MTV cribs, some professional athletes own houses over 10 million dollars, more than four cars, and have jewelry and expensive items throughout the house. These accessories make the houses and athletes prime targets for robberies, as seen in the incidents with Sean Taylor, Jerome McDougal, and the kidnappings in Venezuela.

With all of the past kidnappings, you would think that the players would have more protection for themselves and their families, however, these kidnappings keep occurring without a change. It was reported that the three, armed men walked into Ramos’ house and took him away. Also, Sean Taylor, his girlfriend and daughter were the only people in the house during the robbery. Neither Ramos nor Taylor had any bodyguards or outside security to prevent a kidnapping and a murder.

Unless players begin to hire more bodyguards or security systems, these kidnappings, robberies and murders will continue to happen and many more athletes and their families will be at risk of harm or even death.

Suck for Luck?

Suck for Luck?

By Kevin Green

The Washington Capitals have started the 2011-2012 year on a high note, going undefeated through their first seven games, and currently posting an 8-2 record, and sitting atop the southeast conference. Even though it is early in the season, many people are questioning whether they keep their winning ways throughout the playoffs due to their pervious seasons.

Since the dismal 2006-2007 season, when the Capitals finished dead last in the Southeast conference, the Caps have been one of the top teams in the NHL, winning four straight Southeastern Division Championships. In 2009, the Capitals won the Presidents’ Trophy, for scoring the most points of any team in the regular season, and they are only getting better. The Capitals have some of the best young players in the league, with most of their starters younger than 30. What makes this fact even more promising is that the Capitals drafted and developed all of these young players, illustrating the strength of their minor league team, the Hershey Bears, and developmental front office. This shows that the bright future will keep on getting brighter and more successful.

This season is no different than the past five seasons. The Capitals are tied for the most wins with eight, and first In the NHL in losses with a mere two. The Verizon center, home of the Capitals, has been a lucky Venue for the home team early in the season. The Caps post an astonishing 6-0 record at home; however, hold an average record of 2-2 outside of Washington. Not only have the Capitals won to start the season, they have won in style. The Caps rank 1st I goals per game at an unbelievable four goals per match, and it has been a complete team effort. Ovechkin, who has been in the top 10 in regular season points in the past four years, is currently tied for 32nd in the league with a mere 10 points. It is very promising that the Capitals are as successful as they are with their captain struggling. When Ovechkin starts to play like the old Ovechkin, the Capitals are going to be very scary for the rest of the NHL.

However, with all of the Capitals’ regular season success, they just cannot seem to win during the playoffs. In the past four successful seasons, the Capitals have not advanced through the Conference Semifinals. Despite the success during the regular season, finishing at the top of the league every year, they cannot get over the hump and finally win a championship. Before last season, critics said that the reason the Capitals could not win in the playoffs was because of the finesse, and high power offense mentality of the team. Thus, the team focused more on scoring goals rather than winning games, an attitude not susceptible to winning in the playoffs.

Furthermore, last season resulted in the same way as previous years. Despite finishing the season with the best record in the Eastern Conference and number 1 seed, The Capitals wereembarrassingly swept by the 5th seed Tampa Bay Lighting, ending their promising season. The Capitals lost four straight games to an inferior opponent, while the Lighting exploited every weakness and sent the Capitals home.

However, this year, with the season starting off right, the Capitals have relentlessly worked hard all offseason creating a new game plan and acquiring veterans, trying not to repeat their performance in last year’s playoffs. This offseason, the Capitals added the experienced veteran goaltender Tomas Vokoun to act as the centerpiece for their experienced defense. Also the Capitals added other veteran players to serve as role players for the rising starts such as Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom
.
Also, the Capitals have changed their style of play to a “hybrid” type of team. Before last season, the Capitals possessed a “High Octane Offense,” and did not focus on defense. Last season, however, the Capitals focused too much on defense, which caused them to not score many goals in last years playoffs. This year, the Capitals have taken the best of both worlds and created and game plan with just enough offense and defense. In the early stages of the season, it has shown to work beautifully.

Early in the 2012, the Capitals have pushed all the right button to win games, however, it will be interesting to see if they are able to finally able to shake their old losing ways and finally bring the Stanley Cup to Washington for the first time.

Could This be the Year?

Could This Be the Year?

By Kevin Green

The Washington Capitals have started the 2011-2012 year on a high note, going undefeated through their first seven games, and currently posting an 8-2 record, and sitting atop the southeast conference. Even though it is early in the season, many people are questioning whether they keep their winning ways throughout the playoffs due to their pervious seasons.

Since the dismal 2006-2007 season, when the Capitals finished dead last in the Southeast conference, the Caps have been one of the top teams in the NHL, winning four straight Southeastern Division Championships. In 2009, the Capitals won the Presidents’ Trophy, for scoring the most points of any team in the regular season, and they are only getting better. The Capitals have some of the best young players in the league, with most of their starters younger than 30. What makes this fact even more promising is that the Capitals drafted and developed all of these young players, illustrating the strength of their minor league team, the Hershey Bears, and developmental front office. This shows that the bright future will keep on getting brighter and more successful.

This season is no different than the past five seasons. The Capitals are tied for the most wins with eight, and first In the NHL in losses with a mere two. The Verizon center, home of the Capitals, has been a lucky Venue for the home team early in the season. The Caps post an astonishing 6-0 record at home; however, hold an average record of 2-2 outside of Washington. Not only have the Capitals won to start the season, they have won in style. The Caps rank 1st I goals per game at an unbelievable four goals per match, and it has been a complete team effort. Ovechkin, who has been in the top 10 in regular season points in the past four years, is currently tied for 32nd in the league with a mere 10 points. It is very promising that the Capitals are as successful as they are with their captain struggling. When Ovechkin starts to play like the old Ovechkin, the Capitals are going to be very scary for the rest of the NHL.

However, with all of the Capitals’ regular season success, they just cannot seem to win during the playoffs. In the past four successful seasons, the Capitals have not advanced through the Conference Semifinals. Despite the success during the regular season, finishing at the top of the league every year, they cannot get over the hump and finally win a championship. Before last season, critics said that the reason the Capitals could not win in the playoffs was because of the finesse, and high power offense mentality of the team. Thus, the team focused more on scoring goals rather than winning games, an attitude not susceptible to winning in the playoffs.

Furthermore, last season resulted in the same way as previous years. Despite finishing the season with the best record in the Eastern Conference and number 1 seed, The Capitals wereembarrassingly swept by the 5th seed Tampa Bay Lighting, ending their promising season. The Capitals lost four straight games to an inferior opponent, while the Lighting exploited every weakness and sent the Capitals home.

However, this year, with the season starting off right, the Capitals have relentlessly worked hard all offseason creating a new game plan and acquiring veterans, trying not to repeat their performance in last year’s playoffs. This offseason, the Capitals added the experienced veteran goaltender Tomas Vokoun to act as the centerpiece for their experienced defense. Also the Capitals added other veteran players to serve as role players for the rising starts such as Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom
.
Also, the Capitals have changed their style of play to a “hybrid” type of team. Before last season, the Capitals possessed a “High Octane Offense,” and did not focus on defense. Last season, however, the Capitals focused too much on defense, which caused them to not score many goals in last years playoffs. This year, the Capitals have taken the best of both worlds and created and game plan with just enough offense and defense. In the early stages of the season, it has shown to work beautifully.

Early in the 2012, the Capitals have pushed all the right button to win games, however, it will be interesting to see if they are able to finally able to shake their old losing ways and finally bring the Stanley Cup to Washington for the first time.

The Loss of an Art

The Loss of an Art

By Kevin Green

All the way through peewee sports up until now, my dad has taught me to remain calm even during the heat of the game, and never show any unsportsmanlike actions.

However, on Saturday and Sunday, both college football and professional football were exposed in negative light for the unsportsmanlike actions of both players and, surprisingly, coaches. With both games resulting in negative media coverage, it seems as if players around the country have lost their sense of sportsmanship and respect for their opponents.

On Saturday, in the Michigan State vs. Michigan game, one of the most heated rivalries in all of college football, two incidents occurred when William Gholston, Michigan St defensive lineman, was penalized for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. However, looking back on both plays, it seems as if he should have been ejected rather than only penalized for his actions. On one play, Ghoslton, while in a pile of players, appeared to twist Michigan star quarterback and Heisman hopeful Denard Robinson’s helmet, trying to injure Robinson and force him to leave the game. Is it worth it to put a players career in jeopardy in order to win a game? This action reminds me of Brandon Spikes gouging out the eyes of a Georgia running back two years ago. Spikes purposely tried to injure the Georgia running back by attempting to gouge his eye out. When players begin to pull stunts similar to Spikes and Gholston did, you know something needs to change or be altered.

Also, later in the game, after a play was called dead, Gholston blatantly punched a Michigan lineman in the jaw, resulting in another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. However, many believe Gholston should have been ejected from the game, for that was his second unsportsmanlike penalty of the game. Throughout a football game, many scrums break out between players, but that is part of the game. However, wrenching an opponent’s neck and punching another opponent after the whistle is blown is unacceptable, and college football must put stricter penalties on such actions or games are going to get out of hand.

Another question: Why are playing attempting to hurt other star players and possibly injure them long term? Is it because so much money is invested in college and professional football? in 2005, University of Texas football generates 47.5 million dollars in one season. Also, the more a team makes, the more fame a recognition the players of the team receive. The Dallas Cowboys, America’s team,” generates a whooping 242 million dollars. The more money a team bring in, the desperarity to win games increases in both professional and college football.

Also, on Sunday, in the NFL, a more unbelievable scuffle broke out between two coaches. San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and Detroit Lions Coach Jim Schwartz exchanged a few words and almost broke out into a fight after the 49ers defeated the Lions.

The game ended with the 49ers beating the Lions 25-19, handing the Lions their first defeat in their last 10 regular season game dating back to the end of last season. Clearly frustrated after the close defeat, Schwartz was not happy with the way Harbaugh conducted himself after the game. As Harbaugh celebrated on the field after the teams important victory, he went over to shake Schwartz’s hand, a gesture both coaches perform after a game as a sign of sportsmanship. Mid-celebration, Harbaugh shook Schwartz’s hand emphatically, and gave him a hard pat on the back. However, Schwartz was not happy with the way Harbaugh conducted the postgame ritual, and chased Harbaugh down to exchange a few words and let him know that he did not appreciate Harbaugh’s actions. The exchange got so heated that many players had to hold the coaches back in order to avoid a confrontation leading to a fight. During the postgame press conference, Harbaugh admitted that he conducted himself the wrong way during the postgame handshake: “I was really revved up. That wasn’t me, just shook his hand too hard.”

The art of sportsmanship within sports is slowly diminishing and disturbing the purity of sports. In the history of sports, from peewee all the way up to professional sports, players and coaches have graciously conducted a simple but powerful gesture of shaking hands. Such a small action maintains the integrity of a game and reminds everyone after a game that it was in fact, just a game. When coaches, the face of a billion dollar organizations, conduct themselves like this, they not only taint the reputation of there own teams, but the entire NFL.

Also, throughout the history of sports, everyone knows that trash talking has been a part of sports; however, fights have not been as common as they are today. It seems almost every game that a scrum or fight breaks out between opponents. Gholston’s actions Saturday illustrate the current state of sports, especially football. These players at the college and professional level are role models for younger athletes, and when kids see players throwing punches, or coaches getting into scrums, it makes it seem acceptable for athletes to conduct themselves that way.

With players acting as role models for many kids, they must conduct themselves the right way, or else sports will take a turn for the worse, as kids will lose their sense of sportsmanship and ruin the future integrity of sports.

Catching Hell

Catching Hell

By Kevin Green

Catching Hell, an ESPN baseball documentary, debuted on September 27th as part of ESPN’ 30 for 30 documentary episodes. 30 for 30 on ESPN is a series of 30 documentaries that give an inside look at groundbreaking sports figures or events during the 30 years since ESPN was founded in 1979.

Catching Hell gives an up-close view of the infamous Steve Bartman incident on October 14th 2003. On that October night in 2003, the Cubs were playing the Florida Marlins in game 6 of the National League Championship Series. The Cubs led the series 3-2, and were looking to clinch their first World Series birth since 1945, and World Series Championship since 1908.

Many sports fans know this losing streak as the Curse of the Billy Goat. During the 1945 World Series, Billy Goat owner and spectator Billy Sianis was asked to leave the game due to the foul smell of his goat. As Sianis left the stadium, he yelled “Them Cubs, they aren’t gonna win no more,” and thus, created the curse of the Billy Goat. The Cubs have continued their losing ways this past season, finishing the season with a dismal 71-91 record and 25 games back of the first place Milwaukee Brewers. As the Cubs continue to lose, the streak continues to live on and grow.

During Game six of the 2003 NLDS, the Cubs jumped out to a 3-0 lead against the young and upcoming Florida Marlins. In the eight inning, Cubs starter Mark Prior was pitching exceptionally well with a three hit shutout. With one out in the inning, Luis Castillo, Marlins second baseman, stepped up to the plate in hopes of giving the Marlins a spark. During the at-bat, Castillo belted a high fly ball drifting foul toward the left field fence. Because the ball was in the air for such a long time, Cubs left fielder Moises Alou was able to make a leaping attempt to catch the ball as it drifted into the crowd. Lifelong Cubs fan Steve Bartman, sitting in Section 4, Row 8, Seat 13, attempted to catch the foul ball and bring home a rare souvenir from the game. However, his decision to catch the ball backfired and would change his life forever. As Alou jumped to catch the ball, Bartman deflected the ball, and prevented Alou from making a spectacular catch for the second out in the inning, and one out closer to clinching a World Series bid. After Bartman deflected the ball, Alou frantically threw his glove in disgust, looked up and pointed to Bartman’s area complaining and pleading for fan interference. After struggling to regroup and pitch to Castillo for the rest of his at-bat with the entire fan base at Wrigley field deflated, the Cubs let up eight runs in the same inning, and lost game six and eventually the NLCS.

In Catching Hell, director Alex Gibney does a phenomenal job giving an up-close and personal look at the before, during, and the aftermath of the Bartman incident. As the Cubs go on to eventually lose the series, most of America used the Bartman incident as a scapegoat to all the losing seasons in Chicago. Gibney had a specific direction for the documentary; he attempted to depict an overarching problem in sports: “I zeroed in on the story of Steve Bartman because I was interested in the collective mania of a city and the need to find a scapegoat for disappointment.” Gibney illustrates the severity the Cubs fans treatment of Bartman during and after the game. After the incident, the documentary shows fans throwing beer cans and other objects towards Bartman’s direction and the field. Also, many fans attempt to pick fights with Bartman as he is escorted out of the stadium by multiple security guards. Days after the game, Chicago police ordered maximum-security surveillance around his family’s house, depicting the Cubs fans’ cruelty.

Also, the documentary does a great job taking much of the blame off of Bartman’s shoulders, and shows how well Bartman reacted to all of the controversy and cruelty. As you can see, some of the fans surrounding Bartman attempt to catch the ball, however Bartman just turned out to be the unlucky one that actually touched the ball. Gibney emphasizes that it could have been anyone in the stadium that touched that ball and, as many fans believe, lost the game and the series. It just turned out that Bartman was standing in the wrong place and the wrong time. Also, throughout the eight years after the incident, Bartman has stayed clear from the media, not once speaking publically about the game. Bartman could have become very wealthy if he had agreed to interview and remain in the media spotlight. In 2008, Bartman unbelievably turned down a $25,000 offer to sign a picture of the incident.
Although this documentary provides an in-depth view of the incident itself, Gibney also illustrates Bartman’s gracious acceptance of the incident, and his professionalism while dealing with serving as the scapegoat for all Chicago fans during the past eight years

A Day to Remember

A Day to Remember

By Kevin Green

As the “Dog Days of Summer,” otherwise known as the major league baseball season, come to an end, September 22nd to be exact, the bulk of baseball fans turn their attentions to the bloom of a new National Football League season. Many people tune back to baseball during the World Series, as it is extremely hard to stay up to par during a 162 game season. I hate to admit, but I am guilty of the lack of attention and emotion towards the MLB, especially because my Nationals, although finishing with a remarkable 80-81 season, were not in the playoff hunt once again.
As I tuned in to Sportscenter and ESPN.com the morning of September 28, one of the most important days of baseball history, let alone the 2010-2011 season, I was shocked to see how close the wild card race had come down to. Both the National League Wild card and the American League Wild card race had come down to the last day of the MLB regular season. Four games, all starting in the span of one hour, would determine the two wild card teams from each league. Not once in the history of Major League Baseball has a wild card decision come down to the very last day of the season, let alone have both leagues decided in one night.
The Red Sox and Braves had blown what seemed to be insurmountable leads in their respective wild card races, and the season now came down to one game for each team.
With only three weeks left in the regular season, the Red Sox were sitting very comfortably in the standing with a nine game lead In front of the Rays in the Wild Card race. Out of their last 21 games, the Rex Sox had lost 16 of those games, and five of those games against the lowly Baltimore Orioles. During the most important game of their season, the Red Sox, mirroring the last month of their season, gave up a one run lead in the ninth to lose in walk off fashion to the Orioles. Simultaneously, the Rays, in their game against the Yankees, had just capped off an eight run comeback to beat the Yankees in walk off fashion to clinch a playoff birth and cap off the Red Sox’s epic collapse.
While many New York Yankees fans around the country have smiled to themselves while watching the Red Sox collapse, to make matters worse, this collapse has deteriorated the stable Red Sox nation. The Red Sox declined to extend eight year manager Terry Francona’s contract, letting go the Red Sox’s most prolific and successful manager in the past couple of decades. Francona led the Red Sox to two Word Series in four years, and a winnign record in every year to cap off a remarkable .574 winning percentage. Also, the team’s general manager, Theo Epstein, who built the red Sox into the American League powerhouse through developing talent and trading for superstars, is “50-50” on whether to remain with the team for next year. What looked like a promising season for the Red Sox had turned completely around and now into a disaster.
As for the Atlanta Braves, they provided the heartbreak and heart attacks in the National League, similarly to the Red Sox. The Braves, like the Red sox, dropped what seemed like an insurmountable wild card lead of eight games, in the month of September. The Braves lost 13 of their final 18 games, to leave the national league wild card race to be determined by their 162nd game against the best team in the league, the Philadelphia Phillies. As expected, the Braves lost their final game, and, along with the Red Sox, completed one of the largest collapses in recent history. To make matters worse, the
Braves lost to the Phillies in 13 innings after rookie sensation Craig Kimbrel blew the save in the ninth inning.
The Braves are taking a different approach to dealing with the aftermath of the outcome of the wild card race. They are sticking with Fredi Gonzalez and learning from their mistakes and moving on, without making any dramatic changes in the front office.
Even though many people do not believe that Terry Francona and Fredi Gonzalez are the sole reason for their teams’ collapse, when a team does to perform up to par, the manager is always the first one to go. Whether it be a losing season when the team should perform better, or if the team fives up a double digit lead in the wild card with one month to go, the manager is sure to get the bulk of the bame.
After September 28, 2011, the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox’s collapses will go down in history, and they are certainly making sure it will not happen again.

The Future is Bright

The Future is Bright

By Kevin Green

As I gaze through the unique September issue of ESPN the magazine, which claims that Boston is America’s most dominant sports city, I am in awe of how consistently good Boston teams have been for the past decade. In ten years, Boston has claimed 7 total titles between four teams: the Patriots, Red Sox, The Celtics, and the Bruins, The Patriots sparked the winning ways in Boston in 2001, when they won Boston’s first championship of the decade. Then, from 2003 to 2004, the Patriots completed one of the hardest feats to accomplish in sports: back-to-back championships. Also, if not for the miraculous comeback by the Giants, the Patriots would have won their fourth Super Bowl in seven years, and completed one of two perfect seasons.

Arguably the second best team in Boston, the Red Sox, has won two championships this decade. In 2004, the Red Sox pulled off the impossible: breaking the curse of the Bambino. The Red Sox went 86 years without winning a World Series, until the 2004 season; and on top of that, the Red Sox went on the win the World Series in 2007.

As for the Celtics, their success did not arise until the offseason following the 2007 season. In that offseason, the Celtics acquired perennial All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Celtics went on to win the NBA finals in 2008. Since then, the Celtics have won four straight division titles, and returned to the NBA finals in 2010.
Lastly, the Bruins, the “worst” of the four dynasties in Boston, who have been considered a good team in the NHL for the past ten years, have finally reached stardom in Boston, winning the only Boston championship in 2011.

As a Washington sports fan, it seems unfair to settle cheering for the routinely dismal Redskins, Wizards, and Nationals, with an exception of the recent success of the Capitals. From when I was born in 1994, I have had the pleasure of experiencing a whopping zero championships in any of the four Washington sports teams. That’s right, in my seventeen years of being a diehard fan of Washington sports teams; I have never witnessed a championship. While Boston Sports fans have experienced seven championships in ten years, I am still waiting for my first.

Although Washington has had some teams go to the playoffs periodically, in the last decade, Washington has been among the worst sports cities in professional sports. Washington boasts a dismal one championship in the last decade by the Washington Redskins In 1991. Out of all four teams in Washington, the combined total of championships in the city of Washington is a jaw-dropping four. Boston has more championships under its belt in ten years than Washington has in more than seven decades.

Despite these depressing numbers, the future is very bright for Washington. On all of the four teams in Washington, the upcoming decade looks promising.

Although the Washington Nationals finished one game under .500 this season at 80-81, the Nationals have two of the brightest stars of the future of the MLB in their system. First is right-hander Stephen Strasburg. Strasburg returned to the team from injury earlier than expected, and finished the season 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA. Along with Strasburg, in their double-A farm associate team, is the famed Bryce Harper. Harper was featured on a Sports Illustrated cover as “The Chosen One.” Although only 18 years old, he left high school early to pursue his professional career, and is alreadyon his way to the majors.

Similar to the Nationals, the Wizards have a bright future led by a popular young star John Wall, drafted first overall in the 2010 draft. In his first professional season, Wall led all rookies in assists with 8.3 a game, and second in scoring with an impressive 16.4 ppg. Although the Wizards ended the season as the fourth worst team in the NBA, John Wall will lead a young team bound for success.

The Capitals are already considered to be Washington’s best team. Picked to win the Stanley Cup by many analysts, the Capitals had a disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Led by 26 year-old Alex Ovechkin, already a rookie of the year and MVP winner in his famed career, the capitals best players are Ovechkin (26), Mike Green (25), Alexander Semin (27), and Nikolas Backstrom (23). Like the wizards and Nationals, this young team is bound to win multiple championships in the future.

As for the Redskins, the most famed Washington sports team in history with the most championships and playoff appearances, have started the 2011 season 2-1. Led by veteran Rex Grossman, and 25-year-old running back Tim Hightower, the Redskins look to surprise many people in the 2011 season, and finally propel back to the top of the NFC East.

Hopefully, years from now, I will be looking at an ESPN magazine of the best sports town. Ironically, Washington will be on the cover, and I will just smile in satisfaction and say, “I told you so.”