LaMarcus Aldridge Should Bolt Portland for San Antonio During Free Agency

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By Matt Stevenson

April 24, 2015

LaMarcus Aldridge is possibly the most under-rated star the NBA has seen is recent times. Leading the Portland Trail Blazers since 2006, Aldridge has revitalized the franchise and have become a post season threat to any playoff team.

But Aldridge is a free agent after this season and his unhappiness with the organization is being reported by numerous sources. Also, look at how awful this team looks against the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs so far.

Despite the rumors this season and last season as well (Blazers were rumored to be offering up Aldridge last season) LaMarcus has repeatedly voiced his desire to stay in Portland… Except we haven’t heard that lately.

A Texas native and a Texas University alum, the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs are the two teams that may actually have the money to land him. It was recently reported that San Antonio might even already be discussing a free agent meeting with him.

Why would Aldridge want to leave though?

Wesley Matthews and Nic Batum are quality players for any team in this league and have both proven their value as shooters and defenders. But Robin Lopez is too inconsistent to be a starter on a championship team and Meyers Leonard is questionable to be on any team. Aldridge’s help down low is awful in the paint, and he is solely relied upon by his teammates to defend and attack in the post.

But hold on, what about Damian Lillard? This is where I believe it gets sticky.

Aldridge has worked his ass off for the Blazers organization ever since he came as a rookie, and has put up with the injuries of Greg Oden and Brandon Roy and mediocre replacements they paired him with… while still some how posting winning records.

The Portland Trail Blazers this season made it obvious that Damian Lillard is who they want to be the face of the franchise. Although maybe more flashy and fun to watch than a post-dominant player like Aldridge, Lillard came into a team that had a set starting lineup in Matthews, Batum, Aldridge and Lopez. He meshed in great and easy with his skill-set, but he should’ve with such a good group of guys around him.

There should be no doubt that Aldridge is upset with this because it has always been HIS team until now. Lillard has whoa’d the NBA fans and, more importantly, the men wearing suits in the Portland Trail Blazers front office.

Tony Parker staying put, the Spurs also have nice depth, and of course Kawhi Leonard coming into a contract year as well. It’s a great situation for both the Spurs and Aldridge if they can afford to pair Kawhi and LaMarcus. Of course, big questions revolve around Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan regarding their possible retirements. The thought of not having to pay income taxes and returning to his home town of Texas is nice too.

The Trail Blazers had a great run but treating a star like Aldridge they way they have in order to get the younger, fresher Lillard’s brand famous is not the way to handle that situation. I predict LaMarcus Aldridge will bolt Portland for San Antonio during NBA Free Agency this summer and the Spurs will , yet again, have a great 10-year future as a league powerhouse.

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Bryan Price Drops Some Bombs

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By Kaleb Page

April 24, 2015

The good old-fashioned coach tirade. It’s a work of art when done right.

Whether its Jim Mora shouting about the playoffs or Dennis Green yelling about losing after letting the Bears of the hook, the tirade when done right is something to behold.

However the one that came from Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price was far from that. Prior to Monday’s game against the Brewers, Price did his normal pregame presser. However, this day would be far from normal when it came to Price and the media.

In an article by Yahoo Sports, the actions of Price came as a surprise since the manager is known for being very respectful toward reporters.

The tirade was targeted at a Cincinnati Enquirer report that released information on Devin Mesoraco being unavailable for the big national league central match-up with the rival St. Louis Cardinals prior to that series starting. It also had to deal with another report about a call-up to replace Mesoraco that Price was hoping to keep hidden.

When the reporter asked similar questions in that regard towards the health of the club, it set the fire into a blaze.

What resulted was a 5 minute and 34 second tirade with a good 77 uses of the ‘f-word’ sprinkled in there for good measure.

It was immediately hit with backlash, and it was deserved because there is no need for all of that. I understand that there will be times were managers and media clash, but to go this far is quite far.

Now granted he didn’t attack the reporter personally or get overly vulgar, but at the same time there is a higher standard that managers have to hold themselves too. It’s another thing too that baseball has more of a family vibe to it so something like this will draw the ire of more people than some other sports might.

Since the time has passed Price has made an apology and looks to move past the situation. I hope so because Price was a nice manager one that seemed unfazed by the pressures of the job.

Well this occasion proved that thought wrong, but hey you have all that scrutiny on you 24/7 and see if you don’t lose your cool. Let us not hold this one moment over his head forever.

In the words of Fox Sport’s Ken Rosenthal: “Price wasn’t the first to crack, and he won’t be the last.”

Hopefully this is just the case a rare flare up by a manager who is far from this embarrassing moment.

Until then, look for a parody version of Brian Price on an episode of South Park dropping some bombs…’f bombs’ that is.

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ESPN Writer Berates Towing Firm Worker: Britt McHenry

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By Ellen Chlumecky

April 20, 2015

It seems like recently more people of distinction are making degrading comments on Twitter, posting inappropriate pictures on Facebook, or literally getting caught on camera saying degrading things. In the case of Britt McHenry, it was the latter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkxBTklqIcw

Britt McHenry is a sports reporter who currently works for ESPN. She has served as a correspondent for various shows such as SportsCenter, Outside the Lines, NFL Live, and Baseball Tonight. As one can see from the video, she was clearly irate with the towing firm worker. While I along with many other people could understand her frustration of her car being towed, I don’t know how many people would talk to a worker that way. She stated that she would sue the place, adding a few curse words here and there.

ESPN suspended her for a week. One week. One week for being demeaning, using derogatory comments, commenting on the workers’ weight, teeth, class, and education, and being generally disrespectful to someone who was trying to do their job. While some people say that celebrities shouldn’t feel as much pressure to behave just because they’re celebrities, I believe that they should treat others as decent human beings. McHenry was furthest from treating that woman as a decent human being. Being frustrated is one thing, it’s actually using hateful words to hurt someone emotionally takes it to a truly horrible level.

She did post a Facebook apology. She said, “In an intense and stressful moment, I allowed my emotions to get the best of me and some said insulting and regrettable things. As frustrated as I was, I should always choose to be respectful and take the high road. I am so sorry for my actions and will learn from this mistake.” All of this sounds like an apology right out of a public relations management handbook.

There’s also a bunch of cover ups saying that the video was edited and that the media was quick to judge her. Mediaite.com said that it seemed too odd that the woman being yelled at had no comments to make during the entire video. They are convinced that the video must’ve been edited in which the woman’s insults were unheard as well.

Whichever the case may be, it was inappropriate for anyone whether or not they’re on a national news channel. It makes me upset that we can’t live in a world that can’t treat people with respect. No matter what profession you are or what your class is, you need to treat people with respect and decency.

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Nobody Wins: The Aaron Hernandez Trial

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By Kaleb Page

April 20, 2015

As I got back to my apartment from class Wednesday afternoon the anticipated verdict in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial was in. After many months of legal debate between the prosecution and defense, the verdict was here.

Hernandez was convicted of first degree murder. A sentence of life in prison without a chance at parole.

Quite the unforeseen ending in what early on seemed like a person with promise of a bright future.

Hernandez, coming out of the University of Florida, was looked at as a potential first round pick and had the upside to be a difference maker for many years to come. However, there were red flags involving drug use and the people that he would be around. This meant that the once first-round talent dropped to the fourth round.

Waiting there was the New England Patriots organization, an organization that could take the risk on bringing in a guy like Hernandez and possibly find a way to shape his life in a positive way.

“Personally, I’ve always had concerns. He’s still finding himself. With the right people around, if he keeps his head straight, he’ll do very well.” – Doug Pina, Aaron Hernandez’s high school football coach

That line of thinking seemed to be working as Hernandez grew into a fixture on the Patriots and grew as a better figure on and off the field. His accomplishments, coupled with his maturity, granted him a big contract extension.

The deal was made in 2012, and it was a deal to lock up the budding superstar tight-end. The deal was five-years at $40 million ($16 million guaranteed, $24 million incentives/other). This extension would allow Hernandez to be a Patriot for a long time and focus on being one of the best in the game.

“I just hope I keep going, doing the right things, making the right decisions so I can have a good life, and be there to live a good life with my family.” -Aaron Hernandez’s comments after signing his 5-yr $40 million extension

SI.com’s article broke down that quote further, and it just is bizarre to read that quote and see what the reality is today. Did he do the right things? Did he make the right decisions? Will he be there to live a good life with his family?

Across the board the answer is no.

I think it goes without saying that killing anyone is a horrible thing to do. Especially someone who is only at the age of 27 (Odin Lloyd). Odin Lloyd was a friend to Hernandez, a friend that was killed for what reason? As everyone searches for answers there seems to be none.

Simply a senseless killing that ruined many more lives than that of the defendant (Hernandez) and the deceased (Lloyd).

The list of those who are also essentially sentenced to their own version of life in prison could go on and on. Whether it is the mother of Odin Lloyd who raised her son by herself and held a close bond that made Lloyd tell his mother happy mother’s day and happy father’s day because she represented both figures to him. She is sentenced to a life without seeing or hearing from her son ever again.

It could be said too for the young daughter Hernandez has. A daughter that will really never know who her father is, and once she grows up to the point of where she can comprehend this moment in time; how will she view her father then?

It is sad to see these types of things happen in the world today. No matter if you are a friend/family member of the Hernandez family or a friend/family member of the Lloyd family, there is only one final verdict for all.

Nobody wins.

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Aaron Hernandez Sentenced to Life in Prison

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By Ellen Chlumecky

April 20, 2015

In the NFL, sometimes crime and domestic violence isn’t exactly solved with the utmost justice. These victims and their families of the lack of justice feel cheated, upset, and permanently scarred whether a small incident or large. However, this might be one of the exceptions. Former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez was found guilty on Wednesday, April 15th, of first-degree murder in a late-night shooting and was sentence to life in prison. Hernandez was a player who used to hold a $40 million contract and an aspiring career ahead of him. Now all of that is gone because of his tremendous mistake.

Hernandez was announced guilty in the killing of Odin Lloyd. Odin Lloyd was a 27-year-old landscaper and semipro football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancée. Lloyd was shot six times in the middle of the night on June 17, 2013. He was shot in a deserted industrial park near Hernandez’s home in North Attleborough. The police accused Hernandez because they found the key of the car that Hernandez had rented in Lloyd’s pocket. The Patriots cut the player who was considered one of the biggest and best up and coming tight ends currently in the NFL. Prosecutors have suggested that Lloyd was killed because he might have known too much about Hernandez’s alleged involvement in a deadly 2012 drive-by shooting in Boston.

He was convicted with a mandatory sentence of life without parole and it automatically triggered an appeal to Massachusetts’ highest court. He was also found guilty on firearms and ammunition charges. The jury deliberated for 36 hours over seven days before rendering its verdict. About 135 witnesses were called to the stand during the nine-week trial. Hernandez was ordered to serve his life sentence at MCI-Cedar Junction in Walpole, Massachusetts.

The District Attorney Thomas Quinn made a point to mention that the fact that Hernandez was a professional athlete meant nothing at the end of the day. Even though the Patriots removed Hernandez from the Patriots they declined to comment on the verdict of his sentence. Brandon Spikes and David Nelson, former teammates of Hernandez, tweeted about the verdict and were surprised at the decision. Spikes made a comment about the justice system, while Nelson mentioned how that wasn’t the person he knew.

Mayor Ken Cocakyne was one of the main people speaking about the sympathy he felt towards the Lloyd family. He stated that it was unfortunate that this had to be someone who young children looked up to and that he crashed their dreams. He stated that no matter who you are, you still have to live within the law and respect others. While I agree, hopefully this type of action can be taken with all crimes committed in the NFL.

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2015 NBA First-Round Playoff Preview

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By Matt Stevenson

April 18, 2015

Although I say this every year, I AM BEYOND EXCITED FOR THE 2015 NBA PLAYOFFS! The amount of legitimate contenders this year has separated this year’s playoffs from the rest, and significantly so.

The Eastern Conference finally has several power houses that can make the first two-rounds somewhat interesting for the first time since Boston’s Big Three left. Then, of course, we have the usual for the Western Conference. This conference is once again more loaded than your Aunt Ruth’s potatoes! A Clippers-Spurs first round match as well as Mavericks-Rockets is awesome.

I think three questions are critical to answer for the Eastern Conference: Can LeBron and the Cavaliers continue their dominance? Can Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler coincide for a deep playoff run? Will the Atlanta Hawks prove to be a real threat to the future of the Eastern Conference?

In the first round I think the two-seeded Cavaliers win every single positional battle and will breeze through Boston, although I think Boston will take one game, Cavs in 5. The Atlanta Hawks earned the first seed with an incredible display of teamwork in the regular season, also breaking the franchise record with over 60 wins. The obliterated the Brooklyn Nets in the season series 4-0 and I expect nothing less. Although I’m a huge Joe Johnson fan, and Brook Lopez is playing the best basketball he has since he got paid, Atlanta has everything going for them. Hawks 4-0. Boy, what if we would’ve seen a Pacers-Hawks first-round matchup though? Last year’s 1 vs 8 seed went to 7 games between the two and was great basketball.

Raptors against the Wizards is an interesting matchup, as both have more of the “complete team” philosophy. However, the Wizards just haven’t been able to click the way thought they could while the Raptors are playing tough basketball. Kyle Lowry is proving his max contract worth this season when healthy. I thought them nabbing Paul Pierce really could make them threats to any team in the East. Raptors in 6. The last first round matchup in the East is the Bulls vs Bucks. This series is simple for me, Jason Kidd has proved to be a good coach willing to get to players. But without significant depth like the Bulls have (not to mention they have experience as well) the Bucks won’t last. Derrick Rose will get the go to be himself again I think and create a spotlight on the Bulls as reporters will start to get nutty with the idea of a Cavs-Bulls second round matchup. Bulls in 4.

So in the Eastern Conference we have a second round matchup between Chicago and Cleveland and Toronto and Atlanta as most expected. I predict the Cavaliers will prevail in this conference as LeBron, Kyrie and K-Love will prove to be too much to handle for the rest of the field.

Now the fun part, attempting to dissect the Western Conference. This is much like March Madness as it might be easier to decipher my picks by flipping a coin, but I will indeed choose off my knowledge of the game. I see only one matchup that will be done in 4 and that is the Warriors vs Pelicans. I love love LOVE Anthony Davis, but he’s going up against the most dangerous shooting team in NBA history. But this shooting team can also beat them in every other way because they can stick David Lee, Draymond Green or Andrew Bogut on Davis. Warriors in 4. Grizzlies vs LaMarcus Aldridge’s Blazers can be a great series, however I think it will be done quickly. No Wesley Matthews or Batum for the Blazers therefor relying on who? Alonzo Gee… LaMarcus Aldridge is one of my favorite players in the league but him and Lillard can’t get it done by themselves against an experienced Grizzlies team. Memphis in 5.

Now my two favorite matchups in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Houston Rockets taking on rival Dallas Mavericks is an exceptionally great first rounder to watch. The Rockets won the season series 3-1, but I have a bad feeling about this. There is one key factor in this series, Rajon Rondo. If Rondo can finally mesh with the Mavs (which he hasn’t so far) they have the best starting line up top to bottom. But of course, what about James Harden? He is my pick for MVP and with Dwight Howard they are a scary team. But they don’t have the guards to defend Dallas’. Scoring won’t be a problem for Harden, as it never is. But I think Dirk Nowitzki has a favorable matchup, as does Rondo. Oh yes, Chandler Parsons who darted Houston for Dallas last summer is going to show his previous franchise why they should have paid him. With two great guards in Monte Ellis and Rondo and the absence of lock down defender Patrick Beverly, I’ll take the Mavs in 7.

Perhaps the most exciting first round matchup in NBA history in my opinion, the young and freakishly athletic Clippers host the defending Champion Spurs. Chris Paul said last week, the window is closing for the Clippers to figure it out and he is salivating for that trophy. I think he gives the Spurs problems and will make Tony Parker go to work. Griffin and Jordan pose threats to the Spurs as well and I think they will do a surprisingly good job defending Duncan. But the X Factor is Kawhi Leonard will come through. JJ Reddick and Jamal Crawford aren’t going to stop him, and Matt Barnes is too old to play significant minutes against Leonard. He’s in a contract year, and the Spurs know Duncan and Ginobili may very well retire this season. Pop and the Spurs get it done, in miserable fashion,  by a series at 4-2.

So in the Western Conference we look forward to a Warriors vs Grizzlies and Spurs vs Mavericks. Talk about great basketball. However, in this conference I pick the Warriors to head to the NBA Finals. Although I am a firm believer in the philosophy that just shooting doesn’t win championships, the Warriors are young, fresh and healthy. In which is the Spurs’ weak point because I don’t see the Spurs having the guards to defend the Splash Brothers along with the athletic Livingston off the bench.

So Cavs and Warriors in the NBA Finals and as a Cleveland fan I’m going Cavs. The time has come and it’ll be a great year for Cleveland. The NBA playoffs are finally among us, and they are going to generate much excitement across the sports world. The first round has incredible potential regarding match ups and it will spark the greatness to follow.

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Russell Wilson: Two Sport Possibilities

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By Kaleb Page

April 15, 2015

It hasn’t happened since the 80’s and 90’s.

Back when Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson did it, the feat was amazing because it was a top flight corner in the NFL also playing outfield in the MLB and an electric MLB talent running over grown men in the NFL.

Today another athlete presents a possibility of doing the same, and if he succeeded it would be just as impressive or even more so than the predecessors.

Russell Wilson as we all know is the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks and a Super Bowl champion.  As one of the rising stars in the NFL and playing essentially the most important position in all of sports, you would think that his time would be consumed entirely on the position.

However, you would be wrong.

Wilson also has interest in playing the game of baseball, and not just as a little exploit like you see when he shows up to Texas Ranger spring training. Instead he might make the plunge head first into the game.

“You never want to kill the dream of playing two sports,” Wilson said.”I would honestly play two sports.” (Interview with HBO’s Bryant Gumbel)

The NBC Sports article went through the nearly impossible task Wilson would embark on if he decided to do both sports. The article pointed out the fact that times have changed and for certain the Seahawks organization would not want to see their franchise quarterback out there risking injury.

Another key point the article made was that Wilson isn’t nearly the baseball player that Sanders and Jackson were. Which I guess I’ll take that opinion since I can’t say I’ve watched Wilson enough on the diamond.

Would if be interesting to see Wilson go for playing two professional sports?…absolutely.

Only two players have done it that have left any impact to still be remembered, and Wilson could do something similar. It could be a huge opportunity for himself to build his brand and become a bigger sports icon.

At the same time let’s be real.

The sports world of the 80’s and 90’s is a complete 180 from what we have today. With the constant scrutiny of how players play and what preparation they put in; does Wilson have the room for error?

I highly doubt it, especially if he would play baseball and then have to turn around and begin playing in the NFL at the biggest position. A turn around that would not allow for much of a grace period or a smoothing out process.

In the end, go for your dream Russell and do what you want.

Just be ready to be taking a lot of heat if it backfires.

The video below is from last year when this debate heated up again with baseball picking up and Wilson joining a team.

Underdog Receives First National Title: Providence Friars

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April 14, 2015

By Ellen Chlumecky

The Providence Friars 2014-2015 hockey team was the key definition of “the underdogs.” The Friars were the 15th seed going into the 2015 NCAA men’s hockey national tournament. The Providence Friars squeezed into the NCAA Tournament by the skin of their teeth. The last time the Friars had even made an appearance at the NCAA Frozen Four was in 1985, which was thirty years ago. Now the Providence Friars can finally claim the national title as their own.

While I would never try to rob the Friars of what they earned and the hard work they committed to in each game, they owe a great deal of their fortune to Boston University’s goalie’s unbelievably fluky goal. This is what gave Providence the chance to come back. The game had 8:36 left in regulation when Providence junior defenseman Tom Parisi lofted a high dump in from center ice that headed towards Boston University’s junior goaltender Matt O’Connor. O’Connor followed the puck and it struck the heel of his catching glove. It seemed like he had made a routine save. However, his glove dropped toward the ice and so did the puck, which rolled between his legs. While O’Connor tried to grab it, he knocked the puck into his own net which turned a 3-2 Terriers’ lead into a 3-3 tie.

The Friars scored another goal within a 2:19 span in the third period to tie and eventually secure a 4 to 3 win over Boston University at TD Garden. Providence College’s head coach Nate Leaman said, “I thought it’s kind of a little bit like our season: we started a little bit slow, but we got better and better. And we played a pretty good third period and obviously got a big bounce that I think got our bench alive a little bit.” Providence came in as underdogs and showed everyone they were worthy of the national title by humiliating every team that had held the title years before.

Boston University’s storybook ending was quickly denied in those last few minutes of regulation. This would have been Boston University’s sixth national championship. While I’m sure Providence upset a massive amount of hockey fans’ brackets, they raised the hopes of Providence students and fans. Providence earned their way to the Frozen Four with a wild 7 to 5 win over Miami, a 4 to 1 win over Denver, then massacred Nebraska-Omaha in a 4 to 1 in the semifinal. Providence has become the third-straight first time champion in the NCAA Frozen Four.

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A Decline in College Basketball?

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By Kaleb Page

April 14, 2015

As this edition of the college basketball season comes to a close, it is time to reflect back on what we all saw.

I guess we should start off by giving a round of applause to the Duke Blue Devils for taking down a tough Wisconsin squad; a squad that just came off a thrilling win over the nearly untouchable Kentucky Wildcats. At the same time it is important to look at the collective product of college basketball.

To be honest it was a sore sight to watch this season. Between free throw shooting, offensive production and fluidity; this season was rough.

For awhile now Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been all over this subject and a proponent of changing a lot of aspects to rules involving college basketball. He even went as far to say the D-League should be an introductory step before the NBA (possibly eliminating the one and done rules).

Now would I go that route; not necessarily. I think the rule of just one year is bad for college basketball. It should be similar to how it once was with if you are good enough to go you go, but this time players should have an evaluation period so they don’t make the mistake of coming out of high school when they shouldn’t. This one and done culture is not good for the collegiate game.

It cheapens the product because not only is it just delaying the inevitable but it is possibly taking away spots from kids that have the talent to go to a Kentucky or Kansas; kids that need to be and want to be there for multiple years. It will only help the college game and NBA game by letting those talented guys in right away, and then allowing guys who want to build in college the chance to do so.

In Cuban’s interview on Bleacher Report, he went on to list his new list of changes to the game. His first order of business was bringing down the shot clock closer to what the NBA has.

“If they want to keep kids in school and keep them from being pro players, they’re doing it the exact right way by having the 35-second shot clock and having the game look and officiated the way it is.” -Mark Cuban

With the scoring of college basketball being the lowest its been since the pre-shot clock era (Grantland Sports), Cuban’s quotes above and below make a lot of sense. Cuban’s take on tempo with games and how offense is in college, is something I look at when watching college basketball (not as extreme as him though).

“It’s horrible. It’s ridiculous. It’s worse than high school. You’ve got 20 to 25 seconds of passing on the perimeter and then somebody goes and tries to make a play and do something stupid, and scoring’s gone down.” -Mark Cuban

Will the NCAA partner with the NBA to make these changes and bring basketball standards to a better level? Only time will tell.

Why should the NCAA feel rushed when they have a 35 second shot clock to work with.

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Out of the Woods: Tiger at the Masters

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By Kaleb Page

April 8, 2015

If you happened to be tuned in to the sports world over the weekend an announcement was dropped in the golfing community.

Stop the presses!

Tiger Woods is back for the Masters.

Over the Easter weekend Woods announced he officially would be in play for the green jacket, but his ranking of 111 in the world doesn’t speak the volumes an announcement did when he was still in the top 10 in the world.

Now that is my opinion, but if you look elsewhere like on SportsCenter or Fox Sports the announcement brought a halt to anything going on and a breaking news notice. Now granted it is Tiger. Tiger will always draw a crowd no matter what the situation and its understandable because he once was the unstoppable force of golf.

However, I think the major outlets could be going down the wrong path with this Masters. If things are going to be focused on Tiger and his chase for another green jacket, aren’t we losing evolving the game of golf?

Especially in the fact of new fans and excitement toward what stars are on the horizon.  It will be interesting to see how the likes of Rory McCIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Dexter Fowler and Jordan Speith do when the event starts on Thursday.

Those are the young guns to look for at the event along with guys like Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia who have been around awhile and will make their push for the jacket later in the weekend.

Is it weird that I’m essentially saying leave Tiger be and instead focus on someone else? I’d like to think I’m not the only one. Do I want Tiger to find his stride again…for sure, but is it the time to be all eyes on him…no.

At this rate we will never see the Tiger of old and like most things in life we hype up, the hype is too much and then we become underwhelmed by what we ultimately get. Instead we should be hyping up the field (all the other golfers I mentioned above). It not only will create a better story line to follow but it would also set up for something even more special.

Now the scenario is hypothetical but say with the focus on others and their success, it creates huge buzz for new fans and makes an interesting dynamic if another story arises. A story of epic proportions that was built the right way by actual substance rather than hype. One involving an epic final day at the Masters.

Listen closely through the woods. The legend is coming for the jacket.

Do you hear it?

It’s that unmistakable roar of the Tiger.

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