Recent Comments by beaverboard

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

Hard Knocks already has a juicy tidbit long before the start of training camp, as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has decided not to ask Aaron Rodgers to be his running mate.

Political insiders speaking on the record anonymously claim that if RFK Jr. had picked a current Jets QB to run for VP, he would have chosen Zach Wilson because Wilson's polling numbers are better.

posted by beaverboard at 05:24 PM on March 26, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

I would carry a 30 pound bag for 18 holes if I could get some leftovers of this from the back door of the club kitchen.

posted by beaverboard at 09:20 PM on March 25, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

I'm not anxious for the 2024 NFL draft to take place.

The reason being that as soon as it's over, we'll be subjected to a non-stop year of Deion Sanders talking about his son and Travis Hunter in the 2025 draft.

The yakking has already started.

posted by beaverboard at 04:19 PM on March 25, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Dear Washington Post:

Just remember that if you do publish a "hit piece" on LSU coach Kim Mulkey -

Her middle name is "Duane". Yes it is. She wants you to think twice about who you go after.

This is where I wish Katherine Graham and Ben Bradlee were still running the Post.

Wouldn't you love to see this woman do a Kim Mulkey impersonation?

posted by beaverboard at 01:16 PM on March 24, 2024

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle

The profile of the men's and women's tournaments this year reminds me of what happened to tennis at one point.

The men played short, jagged points with almost too much speed and power for spectators to process and acted like entitled brats; the women played a much more watchable game and didn't go full McEnroe at the umpire all the time.

The women's game became the marquee side of the sport and I was not dismayed in the least.

And right now, I'd rather watch Catlin Clark play her final college games and see what happens on the court when Angel Reese finds out that she only polled at 18% in the name recognition quiz than watch Zach Edey and his teammates enigmatically underachieve in the big moments once again.

And hey, if the sideline viewing choice is between a bunch of vanilla off the rack Steve Alford types sweat staining their humdrum fleeces and white dress shirts or Kim Mulkey rocking a bayou blossom explosion coat, that contest is not even close to being competitive.

posted by beaverboard at 04:40 PM on March 22, 2024

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle

NoMich synergy:

A team from Michigan knocks out Kentucky, a huge NC State tournament obstacle.

posted by beaverboard at 09:27 AM on March 22, 2024

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

And you can't be unhappy that Oakland U. just beat Kentucky.

If Samford beats Kansas, it'll be a UK-KU twofer.

posted by beaverboard at 09:54 PM on March 21, 2024

Shohei Ohtani's interpreter accused of massive theft

From the linked story I learned something I didn't know: if you are accused of a crime at a tribal gaming establishment, your case will be heard in a tribal court.

posted by beaverboard at 12:26 AM on March 21, 2024

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

I loved that run Dan Monson had with Gonzaga in 1999 and was sure that he would elevate the Minnesota program, which didn't happen.

He put Gonzaga on the map, at least as tournament darlings, then when his assistant Mark Few got the head coaching job and began fielding consistently competitive squads, they became an established force to be reckoned with.

Now, Few's career record is up in the stratosphere and his longtime assistant Tommy Lloyd is killing it with Arizona.

It's a bit similar to Boise State football, where Dan Hawkins did well, then Chris Petersen succeeded him and truly excelled.

The difference being that I would be delighted to hang with Coach Monson but don't even want to know the whereabouts of "intramurals brother" Hawkins.

posted by beaverboard at 09:02 PM on March 20, 2024

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

Virginia is trying to have every possible tournament experience:

- Thrashed by a 16 seed in first round as a 1 seed
- Won the title as a 1 seed
- Thrashed in the play-in as a 10 seed

I guess the next step would be winning a title as a play-in team.

At least they're not getting beat by Jim Boeheim any more.

posted by beaverboard at 08:39 PM on March 20, 2024

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

The line forms behind my alma mater Virginia, who should be suing the conference for allowing them to compete in the NCAA men's tournament.

posted by beaverboard at 01:08 PM on March 20, 2024

SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle

The Wolfpack is gonna put our man on an express train to Statin Island.

posted by beaverboard at 12:17 AM on March 17, 2024

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle

Well, if I stop by a TGIF cocktail hour today, I won't be drowning my sorrows over this.

posted by beaverboard at 05:40 PM on March 15, 2024

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

NC State shocks Duke! - continuous Bojangles and beer being delivered to 123 NoMich Drive

posted by beaverboard at 10:33 PM on March 14, 2024

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

Seismic day in the hallowed NFC South.

Both Sam Howell and Desmond Ridder have been traded elsewhere.

posted by beaverboard at 06:50 PM on March 14, 2024

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

I feel like I'm in a time loop when I wake up to the headline: "Padres Pull Off Blockbuster Trade".

posted by beaverboard at 01:15 PM on March 14, 2024

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

Leave it to Atlanta to herald the second coming of Jon Koncak.

posted by beaverboard at 12:21 PM on March 12, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

New Pittsburgh OC Arthur Smith must feel like he's won the sweepstakes getting to work with the likes of Mariota, Heinecke, Ridder, Rosen, and now Pickett, Wilson and Rudolph.

The Steelers have a history of mediocre QB's overachieving into a (temporary) state of pro football competence: Brister, Batch, Maddox, Duck Hodges, et al.

Also in that group is Neil O'Donnell, but I hate to bring him up as he is responsible for helping Barry Switzer win a NFL championship.

Edit: It shouldn't read Pickett, Wilson above. It should read Wilson Pickett.

posted by beaverboard at 09:51 PM on March 11, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Mac Jones is going home to rcade country. Traded to the Jags for a whopping sixth rounder.

Belichick would be psyched about the deal. The sixth and seventh rounds are where you find quality starters.

Mac could have a renaissance along the banks of the St. Johns.

But for now, some college ball fans won't waste any time telling Saban that his former Tide QB will be backing up a Clemson man.

posted by beaverboard at 12:13 AM on March 11, 2024

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle

"Hell is empty and all the devils are here."

posted by beaverboard at 03:54 PM on March 10, 2024

SportsFilter: The Friday Huddle

For sports fans who always wanted something special named after Hope Solo, Bill Romanowski, Ron Artest or Pete Rose: astronomers have just announced the discovery of a new moon around Uranus.

posted by beaverboard at 07:27 PM on March 08, 2024

Russell Wilson to be released by Denver Broncos

Elway is a rich man by most anyone's standards, but he has been a major knucklehead about a few things through the years.

posted by beaverboard at 04:43 PM on March 05, 2024

Russell Wilson to be released by Denver Broncos

A record $85 million dead cap hit. (Walton family retail slogan: "Save Money. Live Better.")

John Elway traded away the farm to get Russell Wilson before parting ways with the Broncos.

Former Denver owner Pat Bowlen once owed John Elway less than a quarter of Wilson's dead cap hit in deferred salary.

He offered Elway a 20% ownership stake in the Broncos for the value of that deferred salary plus an additional $15 million in cash.

Elway declined the offer. Had he become an owner, his share would have been worth more than 10 times the value of Wilson's dead cap hit when the team was sold.

posted by beaverboard at 11:30 AM on March 05, 2024

SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle

tahoe, are you bearing up ok with that blizzard? It must be a hell of a situation.

posted by beaverboard at 10:27 PM on March 02, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

The LA Clippers are rolling out a new logo and uniform design. Thank goodness.

The current blocky "LA inside a big C" logo looks like it was done on an Etch A Sketch.

It could be a maze for lab rats. Ballmer mediocrity.

However, the new logo kind of looks like a cruise ship full of cholera and norovirus cases headed straight for an innocent, unsuspecting dockside promenade.

posted by beaverboard at 05:06 PM on February 26, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

Yeah, big Cam's got his hat
Find out where it's at
It's not hustlin' people strange to you
Even if you do got a two piece custom-made pool cue

Yeah, you don't tug on Superman's cape
You don't spit into the wind
You don't pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger
And you don't mess around with Cam

posted by beaverboard at 04:34 PM on February 26, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

That is the funniest thing I've seen in a while.

posted by beaverboard at 03:28 PM on February 25, 2024

SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle

And he did it in just six innings.

All told, the Arkansas pitchers accounted for 23 K's over nine innings. Against another top 10 team. Damn.

posted by beaverboard at 03:40 PM on February 24, 2024

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

How many pages is the document that let the likes of Syracuse in?

posted by beaverboard at 11:07 AM on February 20, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

What a sports moment yesterday with Taylor on hand, struggling early, down late in the game, rallying to draw all even at the end of regulation, then winning it with a big time moment during extra play.

Great finish to the Phoenix Open.

posted by beaverboard at 02:53 PM on February 12, 2024

SportsFilter: The Wednesday Huddle

I feel bad for the Oilers having their win streak interrupted by the break, then not being able to extend it when league play resumed.

It almost seemed inevitable that their streak would end the first game back. I didn't want to look at the scores.

posted by beaverboard at 11:45 AM on February 07, 2024

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

So sorry to learn about this. RIP.

posted by beaverboard at 02:45 PM on January 30, 2024

49ers Come Back from 27-7, Advance to Super Bowl 0x3A

I was glad to see that Barry Sanders has stayed connected to the Lions.

posted by beaverboard at 06:57 PM on January 29, 2024

Chiefs Shut Down Ravens, Advance to Super Bowl 0x3A

I don't know if Reid will end up with more rings than Belichick, but Spags might.

The throws that Kelce caught on the field outshine any catch up in the box seats.

Chiefs get to wear their dark unis this year. If they get the Niners, it'll be a colorful game.

posted by beaverboard at 09:31 PM on January 28, 2024

Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton elected to Cooperstown.

I remember when the Marlins and Rockies joined MLB, someone in Miami said that they were interested in acquiring "the Canseco contract" to give the team a big boost right out of the gate.

Not only because Canseco was Cuban born, but also because they thought he would hit the ball a country mile in Miami.

I laughed out loud when I read that. I had grown up in the south Florida wall of heavy, wet summer air and knew damn well in my own ignorance that if you want to hit the ball like a king you go to Denver, not Miami.

posted by beaverboard at 11:11 AM on January 24, 2024

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

When a Stanley Cup obsession becomes a motivated player's driving force.

posted by beaverboard at 12:14 PM on January 23, 2024

Bills Lose Another Epic to the Chiefs

Yes, to torment the rest of the division and find out firsthand what Lawyer Milloy and Drew Bledsoe experienced when Belichick sent them packing.

Belichick would relish the opportunity. The only thing better in his world would be to have Art Modell's body exhumed so he could scatter it across open fields between Cleveland and Baltimore.

But Belichick is a potentially problematic hire. I could see him not getting a job right away.

posted by beaverboard at 05:27 PM on January 22, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

A friend of mine grew up in Michigan and moved to Tampa some years ago.

He's a die hard Bucs and Lions fan. I have no idea what sort of turmoil he went through yesterday.

I just found my deep sided Detroit style pizza pan which I haven't used in quite a while. I think it's time.

posted by beaverboard at 05:20 PM on January 22, 2024

Bills Lose Another Epic to the Chiefs

If the Bills had a little imagination and a devilish streak, they'd fire McDermott and hire Belichick.

posted by beaverboard at 03:02 PM on January 22, 2024

Pat McAfee: MLK Day Reminds Me I Was Cancelled

George Michael Sports Machine was must watch every Sunday night.

I loved how he connected with some athletes - like Dexter Manley.

Having grown up with professional wrestling in South Florida, George reminded me a little bit of Gordon Solie.

Our favorite was when George showed drag racing clips. We knew that we were about to see a massive fireball or airborne event. We waited for George's inevitable classic comment, that the driver had "devastated his equipment".

posted by beaverboard at 06:24 PM on January 16, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

I'm rooting for the Steelers to beat the Bills, which would increase the groundswell of support for making a coaching change in Buffalo.

Who wouldn't want to see Belichick take the Bills job and do everything in his power to torture the Pats at least twice a year? It would be like the bygone Steve Spurrier - Phillip Fulmer hostilities taken to another level.

It would also be ironic, as Buffalo has been a prime landing spot for notable Belichick castoffs such as Lawyer Milloy and Drew Bledsoe.

posted by beaverboard at 07:13 PM on January 15, 2024

Pat McAfee: MLK Day Reminds Me I Was Cancelled

I happen to know a sports radio personality. My take is that tribal, smarmy in-studio bro power overrides any semblance of reflective insight, workplace navigational ability and discipline.

It's a team sport. And woe betide the on-camera dude who has no doodads, swag and memorabilia festooning his spot at the table.

At my age, my wife wants to know what beverages McAfee keeps at his desk that render him unable to sit down comfortably and why he sometimes stands behind a chair. I've expressed to her my willingness to have what he's having.

posted by beaverboard at 06:40 PM on January 15, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

I don't know what's worse - listening to Jason Garrett provide color commentary on NFL broadcasts or remembering that Jerry Jones let him coach the Cowboys for 10 years.

I'd like to offer a heartfelt promise to Mr. Jones: if you rehire Jason Garrett, the Cowboys will never go 8-8 again.

posted by beaverboard at 04:12 PM on January 15, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Go Lions.

posted by beaverboard at 01:03 AM on January 15, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Does Jerry Jones have Belichick's cell number?

posted by beaverboard at 07:10 PM on January 14, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

I wouldn't be bitter about Stroud. I'd be concerned about Tepper's apparent urge to fill the void left by Daniel Snyder's expulsion.

Riverboat Ron has worked for both owners. If I were a ghostwriter, I'd be recording and transcribing lengthy discussions with him right now.

posted by beaverboard at 04:03 PM on January 14, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Hopefully, young Noah Eagle isn't hearing a lot of nepo baby bullshit as he climbs the sports announcing ranks. He did well calling the Browns - Texans game.

The kid can do this. And his father Ian Eagle did the radio game call for Westwood One.

Looking over the wild card announcing rosters, the radio teams have it over the TV teams in some instances. Kevin Harlan over Mike Tirico was a no brainer yesterday.

posted by beaverboard at 01:18 PM on January 14, 2024

SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle

Dang, it looks like my long held wish to see a Browns - Lions Super Bowl is going to have to wait at least another year.

Although I do enjoy watching this Texans team. I'm so glad that Stroud isn't on David Tepper's payroll.

I was a Stroud semi-doubter coming into the season, but I marvel at his release and the ball flight. The darn football is flat out propelled from the pocket.

posted by beaverboard at 06:56 PM on January 13, 2024

Bill Belichick Leaving Patriots After 24 Seasons

That's great, thank you. They sure kept Mayo's contract language quiet. If Pats insider Tom Curran knew about it, he wasn't saying. I wonder how much Belichick even knew about it.

posted by beaverboard at 09:12 AM on January 13, 2024

Bill Belichick Leaving Patriots After 24 Seasons

I don't know the ins and outs of the Rooney Rule. If the Pats just go ahead and promote Jerod Mayo to head coach, do they still have to interview other candidates of color?

Doubt that would happen though. I would guess that Jonathan Kraft (if he's astute) would push to hire a GM first, then hire a new HC.

It's strange thinking that the Pats are now like most other teams in the league: do their best to try to put the right pieces in place, hope to be upper level competitive and win another title at some point (in my lifetime).

posted by beaverboard at 02:52 PM on January 11, 2024

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

Now that the Titans have fired Mike Vrabel and Belichick is scrambling to stay employed in New England, I'm kind of hoping that they don't decide to form a dream team of sorts around Belichick, with Vrabel, Jerod Mayo, Josh McDaniels et al. as assistants.

("Dream team" being a generic use of the term, not necessarily a reference to the quality of the individuals mentioned).

Meanwhile, true to form, the Eagles defense has cratered since ex-Pats coordinator Matt Patricia took over the play calling. I don't know why he continues to be handed high level responsibilities.

posted by beaverboard at 04:11 PM on January 09, 2024

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

I'd like to suggest that instead of an official football or team logo camo pants, the prize for winning this year's SpoFi NFL Playoffs Pickem should be Dak Prescott doing a personalized "Here we go" greeting message for your phone's voice mail.

posted by beaverboard at 10:52 AM on January 04, 2024

Alternative Sports Awards 2023

Well, I guess I said "playing field" because one was a baseball field (diamond?) and the other was a football field (gridiron?).

Frankly, I'm surprised that I didn't know "Schott" was the vernacular alternate past tense of a common verb (which can also be a noun and a modifier).

posted by beaverboard at 08:02 PM on January 03, 2024

SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle

There's no doubt that Iowa is bowl eligible.

I just got a firsthand look at the bowl they're eligible for.

It's down the hall on the left, before you get to the living room.

posted by beaverboard at 07:44 PM on January 01, 2024

SportsFilter: The Sunday Huddle

Former Jimmy Garoppolo backups who started games this week:

- Aidan O'Connell
- CJ Beathard
- Nick Mullens
- Brock Purdy

- Jarrett Stidham had a chance at being on this list, but he was two years too late in New England and left Las Vegas for Denver the same day that the Raiders brought in Jimmy G.

posted by beaverboard at 11:50 PM on December 31, 2023

Alternative Sports Awards 2023

Rich business - I'm always in for the folly.

Although I experienced an involuntary local twinge when I saw the reference to Lance Armstrong's brass balls.

Given that the NFL teams from Cincinnati and Kansas City played each other today, I was glad to find out that both cities now know what it's like to have a pro sports team owner whose dog defecates on the playing field.

posted by beaverboard at 11:22 PM on December 31, 2023

Did the Broncos Just Give Up on Russell Wilson?

It's the guaranteed money against the dead cap money. Both are huge.

I'd like to know when the Walton ownership group first began negotiating to buy the team and where the Broncos prior owners were with the acquisition of Wilson at that time.

The team traded for Wilson in March 2022. The P&S agreement with Walton et al. wasn't announced till June.

If the Walton group was exploring the purchase of the Broncos while they were still working on a trade for Wilson, then new ownership must have tacitly approved of the trade and Wilson's extension. And the prior hiring of head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

I don't care how much money the Walton group has. They paid a premium for a franchise that had just made two questionable decisions (that have since proved disastrous) and are now paying Payton 18 million a year to maybe not be an elite head coach.

The owners may have to spend their way out of the hole they're in to have a competitive team again anytime soon. As a casual observer, I hate roster buying. George Steinbrenner saw to that many years ago.

Perhaps a seasoned, astute new owner buying in just a few weeks earlier would have nixed the Wilson trade as a contingency of purchase. At least the Walton group didn't waste any time ditching Hackett.

posted by beaverboard at 01:51 PM on December 28, 2023

SportsFilter: The Thursday Huddle

Not sure that NoMich really wanted to see a vat of mayonnaise dumped over poor old Mack Brown if UNC had won the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

posted by beaverboard at 12:22 PM on December 28, 2023

NFL Pickem Week 17: Chief Concerns Edition

At this stage, shouldn't Truthhurts be issued a yellow maillot with which to lead the peloton through the streets of Paris?

posted by beaverboard at 11:09 AM on December 28, 2023

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle

It's Survivor: Coaches Hot Seat week.

- Belichick rumored gone soon; Pats beat Broncos

- Antonio Pierce still designated "interim" HC; Raiders beat Chiefs

- Eberflus in jeopardy and Justin Fields rumored to be cut or traded: Bears beat Cardinals

- Arthur Smith on thin ice: Falcons beat Colts

- Robert Saleh "will be gone if Aaron Rodgers retires"; Jets beat Commanders

- Sean McDermott under fire: Bills beat Chargers

- Mike Tomlin supposedly at the end of his tenure; Steelers beat Bengals

posted by beaverboard at 01:11 PM on December 26, 2023