Did I Miss Much?
Since my final four debacle, 0-3 over the final three games of the NCAA Tournament, I have not written. I blame it on a combination of a Netflix addiction, nicer weather, and report cards due. So I sat down this morning, (I didn't write you a song, that was James Taylor) and realized I had missed a bunch.
1. Bubba a Master
Congrats to Bubba for winning Green Jacket number two. Unfortunately, it was one of the more boring Masters tournaments in ages. Life without Tiger may not be pretty and the PGA should be worried. The debate over who is better Jack or Tiger will never end, but Tiger is the most interesting player in golf and maybe the most important player to his sport. In the late 90s, PGA purses exploded when Tiger came on the scene. If Master's television ratings are any indication, they may shrink when he leaves. Tiger is the Howard Stern of golf, a lot of people watch to see him win but even more tune in to hope he loses.
2. NCAA Reconsiders Stuff
Now that the players are considering unionization, the NCAA is seeing the error of their ways and has decided to amend their scholarship policies. Players will have unlimited food supplies to start and other ideas are being considered. If the NCAA decides to make things right with all their players, it could do a lot for their decaying public image. I also believe the US government needs to step in and cap the profits the universities can make off these players. Do a true audit of the programs and make us feel good about supporting this institution.
3. NBA Tanking
Someone has to remind NBA teams that fans pay money to come and watch games. It hurts their product when they intentionally lose. I understand it may help teams in the long run but more teams need a competitive attitude. Karma does a good job of not rewarding teams who dive for the bottom, but the NBA has to do more. My newest idea is the creation of a Full League Draft. The lottery teams will still receive their allotted ping pong balls, but at the start of the season every team receives 25 balls as well. When a team fails to put their best product on the floor, they lose a ball. If Silver wants to, he can even take away balls as a punishment. It creates more leverage for the league to enforce an "Always Try" policy.
4. Playoffs
Now that I have rewatched Breaking Bad and Friday Night Lights, I have increased my viewing endurance and I'm ready to glue my eyes to the television. There is potential for over 24 hours of NBA basketball over the next two days. This regular season dragged on for way too long. There were so many unimportant games and a lot of teams have been stumbling towards the playoffs since January. I feel like the league just took a shower and is feeling fresh and ready to party. When I was younger, the NCAA seemed like a better product but then the playoffs began and I would see the error of my ways. Let's Dance!
5. Blue Jays relief pitchers need a Rolaids
I am not even sure I can describe this but the video should be set to Benny Hill music:
6. Golf is Back
After a horrible winter, all was forgiven yesterday when I took to the links. It was just so nice to walk 18 that I even forgave some horrible mishaps with my swing. I love golf and I have never missed it as much as I did this past winter. Now that it is back, I am looking forward to as many rounds as my budget and my time will allow. I apologize in advance for my stories on the links.
*Raptors Playoff Watch*
Back on September 22, I posted a blog "Would We Choose Here?"
http://coachcrewe.sportsblog.com/posts/238589/would_we_choose_here.html
If you had asked me in November if I would take a three seed the answer might have been a tearful yes! The fact that teams were tripping over themselves to get into a position to play the Raptors does not make me happy but who cares? The Nets got us and now we need to make them pay. It will be tough to cheer against the Truth and KG but they are not Celtics for the next two weeks! If you need more to get amped for the playoffs, try this great video:
#WeTheNorth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9xnS9EJmRU
12:30 today, I know where I'll be!
