My Armchair Pre-Game Speech To The Colts

After 17 weeks of blood sweat and tears, there have been injuries, questions, commentary and even wagers of why we should not have been here. My thanks to the team’s effort, gut checks, focus, brotherhood and even sisterhood (for moms, wives, girlfriends, personal assistants, trainers). We have proven to the nah-sayers that we are the only choice from the AFC.

So today, we must look at each other, play schemes together, fight together and build unity together. Today, we are here to win. This is a legacy, this going to be legendary and must be our course of action. As winner is a fighter, someone who has failed, someone who has lost, someone who overcame the odds. There are no losers here, there are only soldiers, survivors of injury, overcomers of doubt, believers and doers.
Failure is defeat, it’s a limit, incompleteness, procrastination, deferment, inability to sustain and falling without getting up. So today my team, my brothers, my family, my warriors and my friends, we mus execute under pressure, manage sixty minutes, rely on each other, sustain the blitz and wood-laying defense and capitalize on errors. Remain humble throughout, affect your purpose for being here and just win dam it.

NFL Hall Of Fame Called An Incomplete Pass For Shannon Sharpe

Someone asked me yesterday to give my picks for the NFL Hall of Fame, I chose Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Russ Grimm, John Randall as my sure picks, and was still undecided about anyone else. When the selections were made late Saturday, Shannon Sharpe was not among the finalists.

While watching the post announcement coverage, I could not help but wonder – why not Shannon Sharpe. So I started to think back about Sharpe’s illustrious career. My thought was, if Sharpe was not selected in this year’s Hall of Fame then no other Tight End will before he goes in. After all Sharpe was an eight time probowler, a four-time Associated Press First-team All-Pro selection. Sharpe finished his career with over 200 games, 815 receptions, 62 TDs and 100,060 yards. If for no other reason he should have been selected for his thrash talking, leadership and courage. But I would love to say congratulations to Shannon Sharpe for his contribution to the National Football League and to sports in general. Maybe next year buddy. And so as a treat, I close out with a few famous quotes from the loud mouth one himself:

“I’ve got a better chance of winning the Kentucky Derby on the back of a donkey than they have of winning the Super Bowl with Kyle Boller.” “I’d put up with any distraction they could bring because of the upside. You can’t argue with the touchdowns. I’m sure a lot of GMs would say they wouldn’t want those guys because they might disrupt chemistry in the locker room. And those GMs would be lying.” –

Snoop Bowl In Full Gear In Miami

The Super Bowl festivities in Miami have not come up short in the are of diversity, simply put there is a bit of excitement for just about every fan of sports and entertainment. So in the spotlight for this blog post is the game before the big. Snoop’s nearly undefeated team, the Snoop Dogg All Stars, will square off against a local youth football team from Miami coached by Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter and superstar wide receiver Terrell Owens. The event promises to be a spectacular one, with the spotlight on the youth players, it is quite a breath fresh air, as quite frankly I am over all the hype about Dwight Freeney’s ankle and Jim Caldwell’s quiet demeanor.

Annually, the “Snoop Bowl” has the Snoop Dogg All Stars traveling to the Super Bowl to challenge a team of all stars from the host city. Last year, Snoop’s team defeated the Mike Alstott led Tampa All-Stars, 22-6, in Tampa. This year the challenge moves to Miami, and anything can happen.

Since its inception, the Snoop Bowl attracted a huge following and raising more than $100,000 for charities. This year should be no different, given the fact that the Colts and Saints have their own following and this should rollover. The game will be played at Miami’s mecca for high school football, Traz Powell Stadium.

Snoop says, “I am happy that we’ve been doing this event for eight years – the kids love it and I do too. The future NFL stars play in this game annually and its fun to watch the kids imitate there favorite NFL stars. The Snoop Bowl is as big as the Super Bowl to every kid playing organized football in the USA because they aspire to play against my team or to be coached by Coach Snoop “The Great.” I love being me wouldn’t you like to be an All Star too?! I also want to thank Title Sports Drink for stepping up to participate in something that is not only good for the community but a ton of fun, ya dig?”

The Snoop Youth Football League, now in the sixth year of existence, has recently garnered a ton of credit from prestigious media outlets including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times as being a huge part in the success of Crenshaw High School’s undefeated football record.

Historically, Crenshaw has not been known for their football team but this year, nine of their players have come through the ranks of the SYFL, and it is no coincidence that the team is currently undefeated, earning them the Los Angeles city title. In fact, college recruiters have already approached a few of the ex-SYFL players, and the league is fielding calls from cities such as Dallas and Pittsburgh that want to replicate the Snoop model.

Title Sports Drink is the title sponsor of Snoop Bowl VIII and the official sports drink of all participating teams. “We’re very proud to be involved in such a great event. It allows us to both sponsor youth football at its finest and hydrate some of our future stars,” says Kevin Sepe, President of Title Sports Drink. “Snoop Bowl VIII” kicks off February 6, 2010 at 1:30pm at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.

Half Time With Pete Townend And The Who – Rock On!

Rock on Dude! Legendary Rocker Pete Townsend of The Who has defended his choice to perform in Super Bowl half-time show, saying that he was saddened by critics who brought back his 2003 link to child pornography.
Townshend and singer Roger Daltrey performed three songs this week as a preview, but the guitarist reacted quite seriously, when asked about two groups that have criticized the NFL’s choice.
”I’ve been very saddened by it,” he said. ”I feel like we’re on the same side. That’s really all I can say.” Townshend was arrested in 2003 in Britain in a child pornography sting but later cleared, saying his accessing of a child pornography website was for his anti-porn activism. ”Anybody who has any doubts about if I should be here or not should investigate a little bit further,” he said. ”For a family that has suffered the issue of child abuse, vigilance is the most important thing, not vigilantism.”
Since an infamous ”wardrobe malfunction” exposed Janet Jackson’s breast six years ago, the NFL has had male headliners, a decision which at times raises a few brows of feminists like me. Sports and Music goes hand in hand at times when the pressures of life wears out down, and that is why, I am giving my thumbs up to The Who and Townsend. Let the good times roll – I say. Townshend and Daltrey will play for 12 minutes at half-time. ”I heard if you take out the advertising and all the breaks the game only lasts for 11½ minutes,” Daltrey said. ”We’re working longer than the players?” Townshend added. ”We should re-do our deal.”
Daltrey touted rugby to as gridiron ”without the breaks, padding and helmets and they get less injuries than the guys in the helmets. British guys are lighter.”

A Gridiron Toast To Excellence

On Friday, February 5, 2010, Julius Hollis, Earl Cummings, Sean Pittman, Daniel Halpern, Robert Shumake, Sen. Rodney Ellis, David Rivers and Art Collins, in support of The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE), will kick off Super Bowl XLIV weekend in style, as they host a private celebration, “A Gridiron Toast to Excellence.” The lavish event will primarily serve to honor well-respected luminaries who excel in their respective fields of practice, consistently enriching the communities in which they live and work.

In the field of politics, the ADE will honor U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip (SC-Dem), Congressman James E. Clyburn; in the field of media, honorees include nationally syndicated radio personality and philanthropist, Tom Joyner, as well as Chairman and CEO of BET Holdings, Debra Lee; in the field of sports/philanthropy, Miami Heat superstar and Chairman Emeritus of Alonzo Mourning Charities, Alonzo Mourning will be honored; in the field of business, retired Executive Vice President of Coca-Cola, Vicki Palmer will be recognized; and Miami legends, Gloria and Emilio Estefan will be recognized in the field of entertainment/philanthropy. The event which will be held at Mia on Biscayne Boulevard. Cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka, Cigar & Brandy Bar courtesy of Fine Champagne Cognacs from Remy Martin and wine compliments of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. Media inquiries can be directed to Circle of One Marketing, 305-576-3790. For information on The Alliance for Digital Equality: www.alliancefordigitalequality.org. Founded in 2007, The Alliance for Digital Equality is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives.

Freudian Slip Or Does Mike Greenberg Needs To Get A Grip

Well it’s only me, your neighborhood referee for all things politically correct. I am also a big fan of sports and the contribution given by the knowledgeable people who are pundits, talking heads and commentators. I have my favorites and will only name a few – Rich Eisen, Jamie Dukes, Bob Costas, Jim Nance, Hannah Storm and Pam Oliver. These talented professionals have covered sporting events ever since I can remember. They possess integrity, morals, that good old charm, and the words from their lips on Saturday and Sundays are like music to my ears.

So today, as I watched and listened to the Mike Greenberg’s YouTube video clip, where supposingly he said “Happy Martin Luther Coon Day”. I was stoned out of my mind that one responsible adult could have played the biggest bonehead on his very own show. Too bad, the Golden Globes Awards were handed out the night before – or else the envelope please… I found this comment or whatever Mr. Greenberg claims he did not say, to be offensive on two fronts – both by way of the truth or lack thereof and the cheap shot, he took with our rich heritage as Americans. I say this, because if Mr. Greenberg had stopped to think about his rich heritage, it probably would have become a sensitive matter. But I guess its okay when the shoe is on the other foot.

ESPN should issue their own statement, as I think one is needed after the Greenberg war room failed at the spin they attempted. And yes “Greenie”, we are not stupid. It’s okay to discuss these off the wall thoughts and comments with your boys on the golf course, if that is how your conscience rolls. But please spare me the aggravation of having to spend an entire blog denouncing this juvenile act. And if you thought that your pre-written statement, is going to get you off the boneheaded island – you had better renew your passport. They say forgiveness evidences healing, but it’s going to take a lot of healing for me to forgive that sly move.

The Rooney Rule An After Thought

The Rooney Rule, established in 2003,requires National Football League teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations opportunities. The rule is named after Dan Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the chairman of the National Football League’s diversity committee, and indirectly the Rooney family in general, due to the Steelers’ long history of giving African Americans opportunities to serve in team leadership roles. It is often cited as an example of affirmative action. The Rule was established to make sure that qualified minority coaches were considered for high-level coaching positions. Until 1979, Fritz Pollard was the only minority head coach in NFL history (which was during the league’s early years in the 1920’s) and by the time the Rule was implemented, only Tom Flores, Art Shell, Dennis Green, Ray Rhodes, Tony Dungy, and Herman Edwards had ever held head coaching jobs. (Only Dungy and Edwards were actively head coaching when of the Rule’s implementation, though Shell and Green would later return to the sidelines as head coaches.) Dungy in particular had struggled for years before getting a head coaching job; he was often promoted as a head coaching candidate by Chuck Noll when Dungy was an assistant under Noll in the 1980’s with the Steelers, but he would not become a head coach until 1996 when he took over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Although Mr. Rooney had good intentions for minority sports professionals, the rule has done more harm than it had done good. Of course, we can say it has helped Lovie Smith, Romero Cranell, Herm Edward, Tony Dungy, Rahim Morris and Mike Tomlin. But for me, the rule is more of an annoyance, when it make news headlines with the obligatory overtone.

Over the years I have been quite irritated by the focus and attention given to the head coaches’ selection process. NFL franchises are always happy to let us know, which candidates are in the running for the vacancy, followed by the cliché “after the team complies with the Rooney Rule”. Now tell me why these teams feel like they have to compel themselves to letting us know, that they were thinking about a few minority candidates to soothe their inner thoughts a/k/a Rooney Rule.

The Rooney Rule – to use or not to use is a matter of good human principles, and not a matter of making a media alert.

If finding the best candidate is the goal of each NFL franchise, why would I want ESPN to tell me that the Seahawks has agreed to a contract in principle with Pete Carroll, but they have to make sure they entertain a few in a black, hispanic or another minority candidates first.

Do me a favor team owners save that drama for your losing record – spare me the agony and just go ahead in “principle” with Carroll or which ever over- rated candidate, you will hire and fire after one season again.

It’s okay just to say you have selected Carroll, Mangini, Daniels, Zorn or any other Coach. Heck just schedule your press conference and make the announcement like the Redskins did. Snyder surely did not think about letting us know whether he invoked the Rooney before hiring Shanahan. Political correctness is a key part of our culture, but if you have to let the media know what you are doing about the Rooney Rule…do us all a favor – go to hell.

Sports fans are not in this business of skin color, we accept whichever play-caller you select, we buy the expensive sports packages, we mortgage our homes for season tickets and we listen to post game shows, when your prodigy selection screams “playoffs, playoffs”. Personally, I think the NFL should rename the rule and call it the “Phony Rule” – no disrespect to Mr. Rooney.

Memo To Reid And McNabb

Dear Andy and Donavan:

This is Alice, the biggest pain in the neck Eagles’ fan ever. I am writing this letter to you both, because my state of mind depends on it. You see, I have been up and down with these Eagles from the days of Cunningham. I have stayed up late on Sundays and Mondays and even changed my schedule for the early games. I have given up playing golf during football season, just be able to see my Eagles.

I have cried with the “almost bids” to the Superbowl and the shortcoming during the playoff bids. Yes, I have also scream my heart out during the days we have success. Heck, I am a diehard fan.

Donavan, you have made steady strides, you have been hurt and even had your selfishness challenged this year when Mike came to town. But I am thankful for the days that you are in the starting lineup. I can tell with the first snap, if you will have a great day in the huddle. But while I have not doubted your committment, today I am begging you to show up. Yes I know that Andy might not play you for the entire game, but I am begging you to play your hardest.

Andy, thank you for your leadership, courage under pressure and that calm demeanor, which has produced great success over the past decade. But make no mistake, you are as good as your last game. You and No. 5 have come a long way, and today is as important as any other record-breaking game.

Today Andy, you play the Cowboys – note to self, I loathe those freaks. But if pleasing your most outspoken fan is not enough, then just win one for the Gipper.

The Eagles’ Defense has been on fire, and I give props to Samuels and Cole, the offense get a bet sheepish and causes me insomnia sometimes. I am confident however, that the team is all on board for this last parting shot against Wade and the boys.

Hint, hint guys, the possibility does exist that the Eagles and Cowboys will meet again in the playoffs, so a win today is a must. Today, we might have to rely on Ackers to finish the job, but meeting him half way is a must.

Today boys “we play to win the game”. Today – “winning isn’t everything, is the only thing”, Today is about the heart and soul, pride and joy, do or die and any other cliché football quote.

So buckle up your chin straps and lace up your cleats, you are my prime time, cause you have to compete. Make no assumption, I will be up front and center watching – so please execute like your bonus depends on it.

Today, boys, you putt for dough and drive for show – ops thats a golf cliché, but hell you all could use it.

Sincerely – You Know!!

Out With The Old In With The New

Hal Borland once said that “the year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but instead its a going on, with the wisdom that experience can instill in us”. Since I am no great poet or philospher, I will only say that a year brings about time for reflection, re-evaluation and rejuvenation. Its a time to edit the broken reel, make amends, ask for forgiveness, forgive, and yes more soul searching.

As a divorced single mother of two well-rounded teenagers, I can say that my life has been tested over the last 17 years, but I have always stuck it out. For each year introduces itself with a brand new sets of challenges. But with every challenege, I managed to stay the course, leading my family for another 365 days.

Not everyone is built to play by my ground rules though, and sometimes, I even venture out with my friendship, to help those in need. Sometimes when the times gets rough and quitting could be only one thought away. I re-saddle my horse and and ride the mountains to see the other side of life.

Mainly because, I am never a quitter, I am all for team, yes I am that quarterback who plays hurt, defying all odds to win. So my friends and family always look to me, as the one who is built “Ford Tough”, but even when I feel down, I always rely on one word and one premise – “Tomorrow”, living today moment by moment.

So as 2009 came to a close, my reflection was in line with all my expectations, my re-evalutaion – I took too little time for myself with no regrets, rejuvenation – one day at a time.

As I faced the challenges of as a mother, an employee, a volunteer, a mentor and friend this year, I have always counted my blessings taking on the challenges and goals that were attainable. I am always hold myself accountable with the morals my mom taught me.

So thank you 2009, for the lessons learned, the obstacles, the successes and failures. I will head on into his new year being 2009 reformed and since I have completed the first challenge of 2010 (waking up), I am off to a great start.

A Few Parting Shots After My Glass Of Eggnog

Over the last weeks, I have been brainstorming, about a blog I would write to reflect on the year in sports and entertainment – the highs, lows and the most memorable. I thought about the death of legends, the making of legends and legendary performances. I thought to myself, how would I write a blog post capturing all that happened, and then it came to mind, that I should just let the thoughts flow from my fingers tips. You know me, I tend to shoot from my Caribbean hips, so with a little flavor and lots of drum and bass, here we go 2009.

We all rang in the new year with a new vision, as individuals and then as citizens of the free world, who elected our first African-American president – Barack Obama. It was a heavily contested democratic race, having almost elected the Senator from New York and Former First Lady Hilary Clinton. The female sorority of traveling pantsuits rallied behind Senator Clinton, but she finally succumbed to the change candidate Obama. The rookie Senator from Chicago, Illinois routed senior Senator John McCain to win the presidency. And then, there was the rise and fall of icon Sarah Palin with a fashion scandal too.

So after Mr. Obama became President Obama in the historic inauguration, The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals in the Superbowl with a clutch grab from wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Although, Larry Fitzgerald was my choice for MVP, Holmes was truly deserving of it. One low-light of that game was when Defensive End James Harrison punched Aaron Francisco, in what will forever be one of the dirtiest play, I have ever seen. Harrison made the news a few months later, saying he would not visit the White House with his team, as was tradition for the winning Superbowl team – Bonehead Award nominee.

The death of Michael Jackson stunned the nation, and fans from near and far came out to pay tribute to the king of pop. It was later determined that Jackson died of a drug overdose – a combination of prescription drugs, dispensed by his so-called doctor. But as big as Michael’s death was, there were other shocking moments. The sudden death of Titans’/Ravens’ retired quarterback Steve McNair, as a result of a murder suicide. As rumors swirl around the cause of his death, it was later discovered that his untimely death was as a result of an extramarital affair.

The Minnesota Vikings held the sports world and the media under seige, as they attempted to stay in the spotlight after a sub par 2008 season, by courting Brett Favre to come out of retirement. SportsCenter and every media outlet spent days and night covering Brett in his backyard mowing the lawn, playing pickup football with high school players in Mississippi, until they missed the secret private jet that took him to the Vikings headquarters. The Favre saga was out of control and I even stepped in to offer my two cents. Favre’s on again off again romance with the Vikings ended in a date to the prom after training camp, which was my bet – he is too old to be hit in two-a-days.

The Denver Broncos had their fair share of quarterback saga as Jay Cutler and his new coach had a falling out, after trade rumors surfaced, with talks of Matt Cassel coming to town. Stud wide receiver Brandon Marshall turned up his divatude refusing to show up to camp and demanded a trade in a contract dispute.

Bengals’ Chad Johnson deed-polled his name to Chad OchoCinco – need I say more? Terrell Owen was released by Dallas, did a TV Reality Show with his publicists, who were more like galpals – not one press release was written and one galpal booked a room for two with T.O. Then Mr. Owens went to Buffalo, his press conference was like an announcement for presidential candidacy.

The benching of Vince Young and then the return of Mr. Young who took his team on a playoff hunt. Young shared the spotlight with my candidate for MVP – running back Chris Johnson. Coach Mangini struggles in Cleveland, Coach Caldwell chasing the Dolphins 17-0 record – with my favorite horse Peyton.

Kobe and Lebron ads hinted of a NBA Finals matchup, but the Magic routed Lebron and the Cavaliers – breaking my heart as a Cavaliers’ fan. My fondest memory from the Magic-Cavs series was that 3-pointer by Lebron with seconds to go in the Orlando series. Lowlight was that unsportsmanlike infraction committed by Lebron at the end of the series – the “no hand shake”, come on Lebron. Steven Jackson was traded after that Don Nelson tirade. Ron Artest to Lakers and Vince to the Magic.

There was Chris and Rihanna, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and that annoying Kanye West moment. JayZ had that stupid D.O.A song, Usher got a divorce and wrote a song called “Papers”. Maxwell new album was a hit, Y.E. Yang beat Tiger Woods, talking about Tiger Woods – oh boy! As to Mr. Woods, he had a fall from grace after that Thanksgiving accident-incident turned extramarital affair turned media standoff, turn public relations nightmare turned transgressions. Oh well, I am just saying – agent/publicist for hire here – resume updated.

Delonte West and Gilbert Arenas had weapons issues, T.I. went to jail on weapons charges and his girlfriend had a reality show. Rodney Harrison retired, Junior Seau wanted to come back, Derrick Brooks had tryouts, Mr. Haynesworth went to Washington, Shaq to Cleveland and Dwayne Wade refused to resign – oh boy. Twitter became a bigger hit with athletes, artists and actors. Chad OchoCinco coined the phrase “child please” and Deion Saunders shouts “pay the man” when Joshua Cribbs runs one back. Chalmers of the Heat, started all 82 games off the bench, while Michael Beasley puts himself on blast on twitter result ing in a 30 day stay in rehab – too much disclosure there.

Hollywood lost Farah Fawcett and Britney Murphy,the Twilight Saga New Moon, Avatar and Transformers were all box office hits. Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry gone too soon and Brett Favre needs to know its too soon to show up his coach in national TV. Jamarcus Russell still overrated, Dolphins still struggles on December.

How I could I forget the Mike Vick story and the fact that he ended up on my favorite team the Eagles. The unselfishness of Donavan McNabb, the leadership of Andy Reid, the over-bearing Jerry Jones. The Tony Romo’s excuses, the heart of Darren Sproles.

Michael Jordan to the Hall Of Fame and Charles Barkley to golf rehab for that god-awful swing. So as I sip the last bit of eggnog and brings this blog to a close. Here are my final shouts outs: Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Lebron James, Chad OchoCinco, Akron Ohio High School wrestler amputee Leroy Sutton and his best friend Dartanyon Crockett – for their display of courage and friendship. John Daly for his courageous attempt coming back to the PGA Tour, Stewart Cink for his British Open win, Ray Allen and his son, Shaq for his kind gesture helping that North Carolina family, Senator Ted Kennedy for his contribution to mankind and politics. The Female US Golf team for winning the Solheim Cup and the boys for the Ryder Cup. Get a grip to Tiger Woods, James Harrison, Gilbert Arenas, Tom Brady (for snobbing Susie Kolber), Flozell Adams, Adalius Thomas, Brett Favre, JayZ, Kanye West, Sarah Palin (you are not a rogue), Charlie Weiss, Roger Goodell of the No Fun League. Tom Cable gets a thumbs down and shame on you Brett Favre for refusing to sit down, causing shame to your coach and yes Tiger Woods earns my god-awful swing for being a swinger… I am out.