Archive for the ‘football’ Category

Ice Machine – Old and Busted

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Here’s a clear shot from the daily Ice Machine, with crystal blue linkage of stories that will refresh you during your lunch break (since this isn’t likely to be a morning feature for the next two weeks):

Normally, we provide multiple links in this space, providing a bit of a pick-me-up/simple distraction.  However, we can only think of one topic today, so we beg your indulgence: Doug Collins is the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls, according to the Chicago Tribune.  Yes, he’s also the old head coach before Jordan forced him out.  

We have come to a deeply disheartening view of the Bulls and of all Chicago sports we wish to share with you now.  We highly recommend sitting down and consuming a calming beverage of your choice before continuing.

To wit: The Chicago Blackhawks are the most innovative sports franchise in Chicago today.

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Cedric Benson Loves Water in All Forms; Still Hates Responsibility

Sunday, May 4th, 2008

As found by the ubiquitous MDS (the hardest working man in blog business – read 10 of his articles today and get a free oil change done by MDS himself) at Pro Football Talk, Cedric Benson was arrested last night on a Texas lake by the Texas Park and Wildlife and Lower Colorado River Association. (Yes, they have officers of the law. Yes, we suspect we’d rather take a beating from a parking violations cop.)

(Plenty of room in my boat, ladies; no need to fight)

Benson was arrested for drinking and driving a boat, showing creativity previously unknown for the young man. He also was charged for resisting arrest. We suspect he tried to get away, but he could only make it a few yards before being pulled in. And to this point, he’s only run like he was underwater. How things change in the offseason…
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Sports Gastronomy: A Recipe for the Heartbroken NFL Fan

Monday, February 11th, 2008

Today in Tuffy History: I show that I really know how to whore myself out to search engines by casually dropping phrases like “Brillat-Savarin”, “field of gastronomy”, and “fondue recipe”. I have no shame and neither should you. (Thanks to the inspiration for my piece.)

Also, there’s no podcast tonight as absolutely nothing happened last weekend. (Actually, both hosts are on the road, but the former makes us sound properly jaded like sportswriters should be.)

SalesGenie.com Brings Unusual Diversity to Super Bowl Ads

Monday, February 4th, 2008

Today in Tuffy History: I explored the SalesGenie.com ads with a bit of vitriol.  Gallon jugs of vitriol.

An Especially Inspirational Super Bowl Story

Sunday, February 3rd, 2008

de_3976.jpg“And that’s a first down for Higgins, the fourth tight end. A rare reception for Higgins, who is mostly used in blocking assignments.”

“Of course, he’s just happy to be here, right?”

“You bet. Higgins there has had a rough time of it and it’s truly inspirational that he’s here today in the Super Bowl. He’s suffered quite a bit of loss and really could have given up at any time. Still, he’s managed to stay focused on football and reached the biggest stage in football.”

“You can see he’s got a tattoo there in the replay; the tattoo says, ‘Margie 4eva’. That’s for his grandmother, Marjorie, who passed away on a stayover visit when he was five. Poor woman passed away in her sleep, thankfully, but he was the first one to find her in the morning.”

“So sad. And that’s a first down incompletion to Solstein. A little high on that throw. Which brings us back to Higgins. One of his other tattoos is for his father, who fell off the family roof when Higgins was 11. He was holding the ladder for his father when the elder Higgins fell while cleaning gutters. It must be horrifying to see that happen as a young kid.”

“Oh, so true, but he says that he’s really inspired by the courage his father showed that day and it drives him every day. You have to be made of stone not to be moved by that. He keeps a tattoo of a Chinese character that roughly means ‘honorable Father’ on his neck to always spur him to keep his head up high.”

“Speaking of stone, that’s another incompletion to Solstein as the ball bounces off his hands. Definitely feeling the Super Bowl pressure; he’s dropped three passes already in this big game.” (more…)

Undisclosed Location Photos – #3 in a Series

Friday, February 1st, 2008

Super Bowl Edition!

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Who wants it more? Not this graphic designer. Apparently, she just wanted it enough to clear Permissions and Marketing. Way to give 110%, Cheryl.

Two more Super Bowl items after the jump… (more…)

The REAL Super Bowl Mayoral Wager

Friday, February 1st, 2008

Today in Tuffy History: I take on the mayor of East Rutherford, NJ, in a deadly game of Chutes and Ladders. (A Quinn Martin Production.)

Also, tune in tonight to Treehouse Fort for a Super Bowl preview like many others. We’ll also talk Santana, Magic Johnson, Chris Berman, and everything else about the 70s. Bring your disco albums and we’ll bust ‘em up!

Colt Brennan Has Surfer Girl Arm

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008

hawaii710170425ar_b.jpgSo Matt Sussman rings me on the Interrotron 3000 yesterday evening. After exchanging pleasantries and speaking ill of our enemies, he slyly notes, “Your boy Colt Brennan appears to be having trouble with a system of playing other good players.”

Clearly, Colt’s been struggling since everyone else bailed on the Senior Bowl, making him actually work out this week in front of the scouts. (By the way, how does the esteemed board that runs the Senior Bowl determine which team Colt plays on: North or South? Is it a coin flip? Islander vote? Eminent domain?)

To quote the SI piece:

Brennan’s inadequate arm strength is obvious to all in attendance. His passes lack any velocity which gives the defensive backs extra time to break up his throws, something that’s been a common occurrence.

To this point, the only impediment to his throws has been the legal system. I mean, who would have thought Colt Brennan would be a one trick pony in a system specially designed for him thousands of miles from scouts that could only review grainy tapes taken with old cameras left over from Hawaii Five-O filming? (June Jones was serious when he said the U of HI athletics budget was piddling.)

Sussman continued. “He keeps throwing underneath. Nobody’s there.”

I chimed in, “That’s a real damned shame.” For you see, Colt’s not my boy. Suss is just yanking my chain; he knows I’d rather see Brennan pumping gas than double-pumping. I’m sensitive like that.

Tell me more, Sussman. “He can too make all the throws! They’re just using an inferior list that doesn’t include and is limited to: checkdown, lateral, bubble screen, dumpoff, shovel pass, 5-yard out, 10-yard out, off a Georgia Bulldog’s helmet…”

“…sleep, alcohol, co-ed, and combinations of the above are his best passes, yesno?” I add.

Sussman nods through the virtual Interrotron 3000 emotive features (now with more emoting!). “His best pass? Out. ‘Waiwaiwait. I can make this throw. here, everyone grab a paper flower necklace. then I can make the throw.’”

At this point, I realize the true flaw in Colt Brennan’s game. It’s not his weak arm or weak constitution or never having to face his sins. “I know his Kryptonite, Suss: the contiguous United States. When he’s outside the lower 48, he’s unstoppable. CFL, here he comes!”

Sussman makes a good point: “Team Guam could use a signal caller.” I think we all remember their last game.

Me? I’m rooting for the Bikini Atoll Mutants to draft him early. Someone that radioactive should fit in nicely there.

Leaving New Orleans

Thursday, January 10th, 2008
New Orleans, baby, we heard about your good news!  The Hornets are stickin’ ’round for awhile. Of course, there’s an out clause after next season that would let them leave with a little cash.  So… y’know, don’t get a shared checking account or let the Hornets take nude photos of you yet.
But hey, New Orleans!  Mardi Gras!  Great cultural history!  Local color that makes the rainbow feel shame!  Booze and beads!  Who doesn’t love New Orleans?
… uhm, the Saints?  Sure, they have a lease that doesn’t have an out until 2010, but you probably shouldn’t hold your breath past that.  San Antonio can’t stop taking the Saints’ calls just to meet at a coffee shop and talk about the Saints’ problems, y’know?  In other words, don’t buy a house with the Saints.  You’ll just be selling at a loss in a couple years.
Hey, I know it’s not a pro team, but LSU!  National champs!  College football is *like* a pro team, really.  You can’t feel badly about that!  And they’ve got Louisiana in the name of the school.  They can’t leave!
Unfortunately, “Les Miles” has no reference to New Orleans or Louisiana in his name.  The next pro job with full personnel control (that Pete Carroll turns down) is his.
This is probably the last dance, kids.  But there’s no shame in not having a pro team, New Orleans.  You’re still New Orleans!  Love you!  Ain’t nothin’ like you in America and a pro team didn’t change that.  We’ll still drop by for a quickie every few years when we’re there on business.  Stay cool.
My Very First Notes (this week)
The Pope wants the youth of Italy to learn from footie.
I only see two pertinent lessons for Italian youth:
- When your enemy makes contact with you, flop around until God steps in to smite your enemy for sinning.
- Jesus gave his life for your sins, but Luciano Moggi charges much less.

24 Hours from Tulsa: A Sad Song for BGSU

Monday, January 7th, 2008

Today in Tuffy History: I sing a melancholy tune to a whooped team.