Monthly Archives: March 2015

Chicago Bulls Lose Another Great: Jack Haley

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 20, 2015

The year of 2015 has been quite a sad time frame for the sports world and its fans. We have lost a numerous amount of beloved athletes, coaches, and businessmen this year. We lost Al Rosen, Minnie Minoso, Anthony Mason, Earl Lloyd, Jerome Kersey, Steve Montador, Jerry Tarkanian, and on March 16th, we lost former Chicago Bulls center Jack Haley. Jack Haley passed away at the age of 51. His family confirmed his death as one of a heart disease. He died on Monday at Los Alamitos Medical Center in Orange County.

Jack Haley played nine seasons in the NBA which included a special spot on the Chicago Bulls’ 1996 championship team. He played with the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Salley, and Toni Kukoc. While he wasn’t obviously one of the most well-known players but he was treasured member of that team. Especially to former teammates Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman who both sent out thoughtful tweets in memory of Haley. Pippen stated that he was a great guy who he had always stayed in touch with over the years. Rodman talked about how close he was to Haley’s family and kids and how he was truly like a brother to him.

While he played for the Bulls, he played for a myriad of other teams as well. He also played for the New Jersey Nets, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the San Antonio Spurs throughout his entire career. He averaged 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds mostly as a reserve. He did sit out the whole 199-1993 season because of an injury. A graduate of UCLA, he helped the Bruins with the NIT championship in 1985. He was the 97th pick overall in 1987 after playing in Spain.

Even though his time was pretty short, the Chicago Bulls organization was saddened to hear of the passing of their former player. The Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson stated that, “Jack was always supportive and enthusiastic teammate and a valued member of the 1995-96 championship team that went 72-10. He always brought energy and enthusiasm to our organization and we send our condolences to Jack’s family.”

Haley’s death truly shows us the importance of his influence on the team. While he wasn’t the main scorer, the enforcer, or the stand out rookie; he was the kind of player who wanted the best for his teammates and the teams he played for, someone everyone needs on their team. Sometimes these people are thought of as an after thought but as we mourn his death today we celebrate his dedication and enthusiasm for basketball. We hope that players today can reach inside themselves and demonstrate his remarkable qualities as well.

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Let Pete In

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By Kaleb Page

March 19, 2015

The year was 1989 and Major League Baseball brought down the lifetime ban on one of its greatest players. A player that is the all-time hits leader for the highest level of baseball and known for his remarkable hustle on the field.

That player is none other than Pete Rose. The legendary Cincinnati Red (and Philadelphia Philly) was found guilty of breaking one of baseballs biggest rules: There shall be no betting on the game of baseball.

A simple rule that was more or less brought into effect after the Black Sox scandal that rocked the baseball world back in the 1920’s. However, Pete broke that rule and bet on the game while managing for the Reds. It wasn’t just the betting that found ‘charlie hustle’ in the MLB doghouse, it was also is insistence that he was innocent.

Ultimately Rose was found to be lying and banished from the game of baseball for life; an unfitting end for one of the most iconic players in the history of baseball.

A three-time World Series champion, 17 time All-Star and three-time national league batting champion (with 4,256 hits) should have a more prestigious ending than being shunned by the sport he gave so much to.

The debate over this topic has raged on especially with the likes of past commissioner Bud Selig. Selig was a major proponent of the ban and kept a firm stance all the way to his retirement this past year to keep Rose out of baseball.

The video above is from a past ESPN First Take episode where they debated the issue of Rose’s ban along with what might happen. It is interesting to see this story play itself out and develop even more as there was a new development in the case.

This week Rose sent a formal request to new commissioner Rob Manfred. This formal request asking for the removal of his lifetime ban. This new commissioner said he will consider the request, but wants to get all the facts in place (along with talking to Pete) before making a decision.

The video above is a more recent video from First Take where they talked a bit more extensively on the possibility of Rose’s reinstatement. The debate on the show is an interesting one and one that I have heard many times before.

As a Cincinnati Reds fan I know it is hard to contain the resentment towards the league about this ban on Rose, especially when players that do performance enhancers merely get a slap on the wrist in comparison to Rose’s punishment. It has been 26 years of time spent banished from the game of baseball.

That time should be up now.

I think those in the media that say time has been served are absolutely right. It has been long enough, for a man who played the game hard night in and night out, to get the honor he so rightfully deserves. He deserves much more than a cheesy commercial about being in the hall when he shouldn’t, and instead a formal enshrinement in Cooperstown next to the other legends of the game.

For Pete’s Sake!…Lift the ban.

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From BGSU to the NHL: Andrew Hammond

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 19, 2015

The Bowling Green State University hockey program is no stranger to exceptional alumni. We have the notable Dan Bylsma who is a former professional hockey player and the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Two of their alumni, Rob Blake and Ken Morrow were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. George McPhee received the Hobey Baker Award when he was a hockey player here at Bowling Green. Gino Cavallini scored the winning overtime goal for the Falcons in the NCAA National Championship game. Most recently we gained an alumnus who is quickly making a name for himself on the Ottawa Senators. That rookie hockey player is Andrew Hammond.

Or one might know him as Hammy, Ham, Hammer, Hamsie, or the Hambone. More recently he might be referred to as “The Hamburglar” to his teammates and NHL and Ottawa Senators’ Twitter followers. You might know him as this because the National Post did a whole story on the development of his name and how he’s been having a breakout season as a rookie. Now like I said, the Bowling Green State University hockey program is no stranger to standout rookies and players who numerous accolades.

However, it’s especially exciting for someone who went to Bowling Green State University while he was playing, even if some of us only got to see him play when he was a senior. Besides the attention he’s been receiving on Twitter and his article in the National Post and one in Sports Illustrated, he’s having a great year for himself. Hammond’s current record in the goal right now is 9-0-1 including his win against the New York Islanders, only letting one goal in during the game. He is now only the third goaltender since 1928 to allow two or fewer goals in his first ten NHL starts, an incredible feat in and of itself.

Andrew Hammond has remained incredibly humble in all of his post-game interviews. His respectability not only on the ice but off the ice is another truly great feat for the Bowling Green State University hockey program. It makes me proud to go to a university that not only tries to raise tremendous athletes but athletes who go off and try to make respectable careers for themselves whether they continue to pursue their chosen sport or not. I wish Andrew Hammond luck in the rest of his hockey career and I know that he will continue to make his alma mater proud of his accomplishments.

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Patrick Kane’s Recovery Coming Along

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 16, 2015

I do not need to reiterate the struggle that Chicago sports have faced this year. The Bears have been going through a new structuring system with a new coach and new staffing decisions. The Bulls have been through some major injuries. Specifically the stars of the team, forcing other teammates to step up in a big way. The Blackhawks have been having a pretty good year. They were definitely headed for the playoffs. All seemed well for this one Chicago sports team.

Now, here’s where that Chicago curse hit home. Patrick Kane had a freak accident on the ice where a combination of a little shove and he seemed to trip on his skate and fall straight into the boards. While this may have seemed like any ordinary hit in hockey. Unfortunately, Patrick Kane ended up hitting the boards with his shoulder. Which resulted in him fracturing clavicle. I do not need to talk about how important one’s shoulder is to someone much less a hockey player.

Chicago Blackhawks fans cringed in horror when they realized that one of their star point scorers was going to be out for several weeks. Patrick Kane has been vital in the past two Stanley Cup championships and the past few playoff runs. The majority of the fans and Blackhawks’ analysts believe that his injury will be a negative impact on Chicago’s chances of winning another championship.

However, there is one person who is truly positive that his recovery from the fractured clavicle won’t count him out of the season completely. That person is number 88 himself. He’s hopeful because there is still some time left in the season. He truly is aiming to play in the playoffs, while he is not positive what his plans will be for playoffs. However, he personally is optimistic about the success of his team without him.

Kane underwent surgery on February 25th and was put on a twelve week time-table to return. He told ESPN he is still on that time-table as of this week. He has been going to rehabilitation training every day and actively working out his lower body. It seems as if he is doing every thing he can in his power to be back at 100%. You can tell that he hates being injured. He is one of those players that wants to be playing and wants to be trying to help his team in every way he can.

In recent years, Patrick Kane has endured criticisms and has made his fair share of mistakes. Most young hockey players are susceptible to this but he was under the spotlight because of his tremendous talent and rookie status. I believe this personal excerpt shows that he’s actively trying to change this unpopular opinion of him. He has matured as a player and wants to bring home another Stanley Cup for his team.

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Welcome to Oregon East

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By Kaleb Page

March 16, 2015

Chip Kelly is the mad scientist. The man who crafted an offensive barrage at Oregon that to this day is still taking flight. His genius at the highest level of college football gained the recognition of those in the NFL, and in 2013 the Philadelphia Eagles came after him (eventually landing him).

Well it has only been two seasons in ‘the city of brotherly love,’ and right now there could be an interesting question to ask the Eagles faithful.

Feeling some buyer’s remorse?

How could a coach who went back to back seasons with a 10-6 record get the feeling of being ousted by his own fan base? As they say it takes a lifetime to build a reputation and only seconds to ruin it. Well, I guess the same could be said about perceive coaching knowledge or even grasp of what makes a great team.

You could say it all started with the head scratching move to trade one of the top running backs in the league (LeSean McCoy) for a young talented linebacker named Kiko Alonso. Now the interesting thing about this is how Alonso once was an Oregon Duck. The roster now consists of seven former Ducks who played under Kelly at Oregon.

While allegiance is a good quality in some aspects, it can be a problem when it comes at the expense of talent in a bottom line league like the NFL. If you don’t pay attention you could be packing your bags fairly soon.

Oh but wait there’s more!

Tuesday, when free agency officially began in the NFL, a move was made by Kelly that was the pièce de résistance on the head scratching display.

Kelly put in the trade with the St. Louis for Sam Bradford. Who are they giving up in return for Bradford? None other than their starting quarterback Nick Foles.

Foles in 2013 had an amazing year at quarterback, throwing for 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions. That year was a pleasant surprise as Foles was a mid-round selection by the team in 2012 and didn’t have high expectations coming out of Arizona. While Foles battled with injuries just like Bradford, Foles had much more success that showed promise for more seasons like the one in 2013.

Trading for a quarterback that in his five-year career has had multiple knee surgeries and only a record of 18-30-1 as a starter, while giving up on a young prospect that has real promise; definitely is a head scratching move put on by Kelly.

Whether you look on ESPN, Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, etc. there are plenty that are sharing the sentiment of: Does this guy know what he’s doing?

Even Stephen A. Smith going as far to say racism played a factor in these moves by Kelly to get rid of guys like Trent Cole, Jeremy Maclin, Cary Williams and LeSean McCoy. All of which are black athletes that were not signed back with the team. Essentially marked as not fitting the scheme or direction just like when the team released Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson in previous years. Something Smith finds quite suspect.

While I won’t go that extreme as Mr. Smith to say Kelly is being racist, I will say that Kelly better know what he is doing with these questionable moves. As I said before in this post, the NFL is a bottom line league and if Kelly isn’t careful this whole image of a genius can be tarnished. It could very well lead to Kelly seeing his way out of the league.

I guess only time will tell if these moves are good and will actually make for a successful Eagles squad in 2015.

As for now hang in there Eagles fans, it could be much worse.

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Why Fear Perfection?

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By Kaleb Page

March 16, 2015

In the world of sports the chase for a perfect season is something few have the actual chance to achieve. While the realistic goal is to reach and win a championship in whatever sport it might be; there seems to be the notion that undefeated is nearly impossible.

However, when the stars align in the sports world and a team does have the chance to go undefeated a new dilemma takes hold.

This dilemma being should we lose at least once to get it out-of-the-way, should we even bring up the fact that we are undefeated or can we be careful enough to hold on to the record we have.

This dilemma was shown with teams like the Patriots, Uconn women’s basketball, Wichita St. men’s basketball, etc. by many different media outlets. Now rises a new member to this club, the 2014-15 Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team.

This edition of the Wildcats basketball team has the familiar feel of years past. A roster full of lottery picks and a fiery head coach that leads this team to become a fine tuned machine. This team currently sits at 31-0 going into its conference tournament after a season that saw many nail bitter moments for this talented squad.

An article on Fox Sports asked what if after this weekend Kentucky came away 31-1. The reporter (Reid Forgrave) said popular opinion across the country would be that a loss now is what Kentucky needs in order to win it all in the end.

Forgrave however, had the gut feeling to think it was ‘hogwash’ for a team with that much talent to suddenly feel any different with a loss than it did undefeated. I agree with this statement completely.

I know as humans we all feel pressure one way or another. Another thing, as all of us know, is that we know what we are in and what the implications are. Which for this team they know of all the hype and the implications of this historic run they are on. This team, that could run the table for the first time since 1976 (Indiana), definitely knows what is out there to be had.

While head coach John Calipari wants to make the team focus on the task at hand, there is always the knowledge of what can be accomplished in the back of their minds. If I’m on Kentucky I am embracing this record and embracing the chance to make history. ‘Why not us’ should be the mantra for this team going forward.

If you truly want to be the dominant team that will be remembered for decades to come; you have to go and take down this task.

Don’t shy away, don’t back down and don’t you dare think about taking that loss to get the prize at the end.

When it’s all said and done, why fear perfection?

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Oklahoma Loses Recruit Due to Racist Fraternity

By Matt Stevenson

March 16, 2015

Oklahoma University’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity has been closed after a video of members rehearsing racist chants went viral. After an investigation took place, the two seen in the video leading the racist song-like chant have been expelled from the University as well. However, the football program has taken a loss also as 4-star recruit, Jean Delance, de-commited last week.

Delance, a highly scouted offensive linemen, gave his verbal commitment to Oklahoma last November and was looking forward to playing for the Sooners. Then the video went viral. Delance made a statement regarding the situation and confirmed the football program and staff had nothing to do with his decision to de-commit.

“It was very disturbing. I never thought that stuff was still trendy as much as it was back then or it could keep repeating itself. It was very disturbing. I didn’t like what was going on. I’m glad the way they handled it but that’s still a bad downside to me.”

With a 4-star recruit gone, questions are now raised if this is the start of a revolutionary movement. For years recruiting has been determined on how good the school’s football program is. You go to a school that will motivate the you as a person and as a football player in order to succeed in the NFL one day. However, with the Delance decision, will recruits look at this and take a stand?

This is an interesting opportunity here, and not just from a racism perspective. The environment and personalities of the student body have personally affected Oklahoma University’s recruiting in this case. My belief is that highly recruited players will take the student body into consideration more than ever before. There is no excuse for racism, or any sort of discrimination at this point in time.

Eric Striker, senior football player at Oklahoma University posted a video of himself expressing his anger towards the fraternity. He stated later that there is a “very real divide between the predominantly black athletes and the predominantly white fraternities”.

Striker also recalled attending some of these fraternities parties with former running back, David Smith. While they welcomed the black athletes in, they would shout racial slurs and warn others that they “should watch out for Smith, because he might take a girl home and rape her” due to supposed “stereotypes” according to the members of the fraternity.

The bottom line is that while there is a larger problem at hand, the student body is now personally affecting recruiting for a sport that brings in large amounts of profit year after year. Delance made a very honorable, bold decision to de-commit from the University. Hopefully, student bodies across the United States understand that racism has no place in today’s society and learn from the inexcusable actions from these students. 

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Free Agent Frenzy

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By Paul Duncan

March 16, 2015

NFL free agency has gotten off to one of the fastest starts in history. Moves have been happening by the hour and it has been hard to keep up with. Thankfully there is Twitter and the race between reporters to get it first and get it right.

On March 10th we had a quarterback swap, a 26 QB retire, Jimmy Graham got traded, and Darrelle Revis went back to the Jets. Some of these events were rumored and others came out of the blue but most of this news was broken on twitter. The one man at the center of all of this is ESPN’s Adam Schefter who has the following and the skills to be considered the king of breaking NFL news.

Many people don’t even consider a rumor to be true until Schefter reports this. But in looking at his tweets he just says he gets them from “sources” while not mentioning who they are. After a quick look into it I discovered that local beat reporters usually report it first and then the big ESPN guys fact check it.

These writers who cover one team for a newspaper, radio, or blog based website. Sometimes these writers get their sources directly from the team like Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News, who broke news about the Scott Chandler release and was one of the first to break the Jerry Hughes signing.

Other reporters like Dustin Fox use personal connections. Dustin Fox and Brian Hartline both went Ohio State so when Hartline signed with the Browns he told Dustin first.  The most direct free agent news has come straight from source, or the player himself.  Andre Johnson was the very first to confirm that he was signing with the Colts via Instagram.

All these different methods of breaking NFL news in addition the frantic pace have made this free agency period one of the most exciting ever, and it’s not even halfway done. Oh and we still have the NFL Draft where rumors really can swirl around. The NFL media help make the NFL’s offseason the most exciting in sports.

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Cleveland Browns Eyeing Expensive Free Agent Darrelle Revis

By Matt Stevenson

March 11, 2015

Darrelle Revis is set to become a free agent and is looking for a big payday once again. Coming off a Super Bowl with the Patriots, the top-notch corner back was let go by the Patriots after they neglected to pick up his $20 million team option for next year. This leaves a stellar player on the market in which has seen the highest quality players already gone.

The Cleveland Browns are an intriguing team when it comes to Revis due to what they have to offer him. We can offer him boat loads of money, which many other teams can as well. However, we also can offer the best CB tandem in the league to Revis, pairing him up with All-Pro CB Joe Haden. Lastly, “Revis Island” was invented during his best years of his career under former Jets Defensive Coordinator, a guy by the name of Mike Pettine… Cleveland Browns current Head Coach.

The Cleveland Browns have more than $50 million dollars to spend this summer and so far have been quite in Free Agency, although they did sign WR Brian Hartline to a 2 year deal.

With no big splash made and the highest regarded free agents off of the market, many are wondering where the Browns will spend their money and Revis might be the route to take.

There are no doubts that Revis will get offers from teams that are in contention for a Championship, but it comes down to how much money is he willing to give up at the cost of competing for another Super Bowl.

The Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Patriots are all big plays for Revis. Of course, the Patriots are the only team that can contend right now, but you’d have to imagine there is some tough love after not picking up Revis’ team option.

With Joe Haden already proven as a top-5 CB in the NFL, the Browns can offer Revis Island a CB tandem that no other team can offer him. Justin Gilbert was a first round pick last year and struggled his first season but showed flashes of his potential. Revis would be able to help Gilbert develop but also the 3 together are a perfect fit for Pettine’s press man-cover scheme.

The options are on the table to CB Darrelle Revis, and there are some good ones. Coming off of a Super Bowl, Revis will be getting attention from almost every team in the league. Despite the Patriots attempting to re-sign him for less money, the Cleveland Browns surprisingly have significant benefits to offer Revis that most teams in the NFL can’t.

Expect a hectic week of reporting regarding Revis as the sweepstakes have officially started. One thing will remain no matter what team signs him, there will be millions of dollars spent on the elite CB known as Revis Island.

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Calling All Goalies: Florida Panthers Looking for Practice Goalie

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By Ellen Chlumecky

March 10, 2015

On Thursday, March 5, the Florida Panthers announced that they will be holding open tryouts for any goalies or even fans to be hired as their practice goalie for one day. This whole experience is a contest proposed by the Panthers. The Panthers executive chairman Peter Luukko is hopeful the contest expects a great turnout for such an amazing ultimate fan experience. Successful applicants will invited to a tryout on March 16th. Two finalists will then go head-to-head during an intermission of Florida’s game against Montreal on March 17th. The winner will then get a contract.

This is a dream come true for any aspiring goalie that never got the opportunity to make it to the big leagues or even a fan whose dream is to experience what it’s like to play in the NHL. So what inspired this somewhat unusual contest? If you weren’t watching the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs game, you might have some insight on what inspired the contest.

During the game, both Panthers’ goalies – Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya – suffered injuries. Not having another backup goalie, the goalie coach for the Panthers had to quickly suit up to serve as the backup. Robert Tallas last played against the New York Rangers in 2001.

In the first period, Luongo was injured by a shot from Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov. He stayed in a game till the end of the period. Then he was replaced by Al Montoya. Early on in the second, Montoya gets injured as well. This meant that the Panthers were without a healthy goalie.

It was believed that Derek MacKenzie and Scottie Upshall might dress as emergency goalies as they both went down the tunnel to the locker room while Montoya was struggling on the ice. Luongo was also seen in the tunnel in street clothes as they were trying to figure out who was going to be put in. However, the person who ended up suiting up was Tallas. Two years prior he was put in the same situation so it was not too unusual to ask of him.

At the end of the day, Montoya attempted to play through his injury until Luongo suited up again to finish the game. The team was trying to get Tallas cleared by the NHL to play in the game but during this process, they realized that Luongo would just have to finish off the game.

It’s unfortunate that a hectic and panic-inducing event had to occur for the Panthers, especially since they ended up losing 3-2 in spite of the situation. In the end, they got a great promotional deal out of the event. So I guess it’s about looking at the glass half full, right?

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