NFL, Players Association Getting Forced Mediation

Even though the NFL and The Players Association is not happy with it Judge Susan Richard Nelson told the NFL and NFL players that she will impose forced mediation on them early this week. The problem is both sides do not care about get a quick resolve in all of this no matter what they say in public.

The real losers in all of this is the fans who have to sit through this hoping there is an NFL season this fall. I think a good idea would be for fans all to boycott the first game of the season when it gets resolved. Imagine what an embarrassment the NFL and the Players would have if in Week 1 no fans showed up for the games. It will never happen, but something to think about as a statement from the fans about what they were put through.

Easton Conference Playoff Preview

Well not to much longer and we will be talking about the NBA playoffs, so today I thought we would look at the Eastern Conference and what we can expect. Right now the Chicago Bulls have locked down the number one seed with Boston and Miami at two. Boston does hold the tie-breakers if it ends in a tie. Orlando is fourth followed by Atlanta. Let us look at how this plays out in the end.

Without a doubt the Bulls are playing the best basketball of the Top 5, but the playoffs are much different than the regular season. In reality any of the Top five teams could make it to thew NBA Finals. I still like the Celtics to make it through the Eastern Conference. The Bulls are not battle tested and Boston has been through the playoff wars before. Miami is the x-factor in all of this. They have the talent to come out of this conference as well. In the end though I think it will be Boston. Even though the Celtics seem to be struggling a little they have the Big Three that have been battled tested before.

Can Kobe Bryant And Lakers Climb That Mountain One More Time?

The Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant has had a season of highs and lows. They went into the All-Star break getting hammered by the Cleveland Cavaliers and came out of it showing people they can still make a run at an NBA Championship. Fast forward to today and you have a team that has lost five games in a row. Can they turn it on in the playoffs and take another NBA Championship?

Last year I would probably say yes, but this year is a lot different. The Lakers are older and they seem to be much more inconsistent this year than they were last season. San Antonio and Oklahoma City are playing great basketball. The Thunder picked up Kendrick Perkins and that maybe the guy that can get the Thunder past the Lakers. Everyone knows the Lakers have the talent, but another championship this year maybe out of the question.

Tiger Woods Shows Glimpses Of Old Form Finishes Fourth At Masters

Many people have wondered if we will ever see the old Tiger Woods and the answer at least glimpses of it. Woods probably played some of the best golf of the weekend and fell short as he finished fourth at the Masters. Now he was in contention for most of the weekend, so he has to feel better about where his golf game is right now.

Tiger Woods has struggled since coming back from his layoff, but The Masters showed us he can still play the game of golf. Once he gets it all put back together he may still be able to win some tournaments. I do not think we will ever see the old Tiger Woods. I think that was lost when his twisted tale of infidelity was on stage for the world to see. No matter what we still can see Tiger Woods does still have some good golf in him.

Lakers, Heat Going In Opposite Directions As Playoffs Near

The Miami Heat went into Boston in a statement game and made a loud statement with a easy 100-77 route of the Boston Celtics. It was kind of surprising how easily the Heat won the game. No matter what anyone tells you the Celtics really miss Kendrick Perkins and his toughness in the middle. With Shaq still out it could be tough on the Celtics in the playoffs.

For the Los Angeles Lakers their rollercoaster season continues as they now have lost five games in a row after a 120-106 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This loss may not seem huge right now, but the Thunder gave the Lakers all they could handle in the playoffs last season. It is hard to get a read on the Lakers as one day they look great the next day they do not. I guess we will have to wait to see what they do in the playoffs.

NHL Scores April 10, 2011

Detroit 4
Chicago 3
Final

Boston 2
New Jersey 3
Final

Edmonton 3
Colorado 4
Final OT

Pittsburgh 5
Atlanta 2
Final

Dallas 3
Minnesota 5
Final

MLB Schedule April 11, 2011

Texas
Detroit
1:05pm ET

Tampa Bay
Boston
7:10pm ET

Colorado
NY Mets
7:10pm ET

Chi Cubs
Houston
8:05pm ET

Oakland
Chi White Sox
8:10pm ET

St. Louis
Arizona
9:40pm ET

Cincinnati
San Diego
10:05pm ET

Cleveland
LA Angels
10:05pm ET

Toronto
Seattle
10:10pm ET

LA Dodgers
San Francisco
10:15pm ET

MLB Scores April 10, 2011

Kansas City 9
Detroit 5
Final

Washington 7
NY Mets 3
Final 11

Colorado 6
Pittsburgh 5
Final

Texas 3
Baltimore 0
Final

Philadelphia 3
Atlanta 0
Final

Florida 1
Houston 7
Final

Oakland 5
Minnesota 3
Final

Tampa Bay 1
Chi White Sox 6
Final

Chi Cubs 5
Milwaukee 6
Final

Toronto 1
LA Angels 3
Final

LA Dodgers 2
San Diego 7
Final

St. Louis 6
San Francisco 1
Final

Cincinnati 8
Arizona 10
Final

Cleveland 6
Seattle 4
Final

NY Yankees 0
Boston 4
Final

NBA Schedule April 11, 2011

Boston
Washington
7:00pm ET

Orlando
Philadelphia
7:00pm ET

Charlotte
New Jersey
7:00pm ET

Miami
Atlanta
7:00pm ET

Cleveland
Detroit
7:30pm ET

Toronto
Milwaukee
8:00pm ET

Utah
New Orleans
8:00pm ET

Dallas
Houston
8:30pm ET

Golden State
Denver
9:00pm ET

Oklahoma City
Sacramento
10:00pm ET

Minnesota
Phoenix
10:00pm ET

NBA Scores April 10, 2011

Chicago 102
Orlando 99
Final

Boston 77
Miami 100
Final

New Orleans 89
Memphis 111
Final

Detroit 112
Charlotte 101
Final

New Jersey 92
Toronto 99
Final

New York 110
Indiana 109
Final

Phoenix 90
Dallas 115
Final

Sacramento 104
Golden State 103
Final

Oklahoma City 120
LA Lakers 106
Final

MLB Scores April 10, 2011

Kansas City 9
Detroit 5
Final

Washington 7
NY Mets 3
Final 11

Colorado 6
Pittsburgh 5
Final

Texas 3
Baltimore 0
Final

Philadelphia 3
Atlanta 0
Final

Florida 1
Houston 7
Final

Oakland 5
Minnesota 3
Final

Tampa Bay 1
Chi White Sox 6
Final

Chi Cubs 5
Milwaukee 6
Final

Toronto 1
LA Angels 3
Final

LA Dodgers 2
San Diego 7
Final

St. Louis 6
San Francisco 1
Final

Cincinnati 8
Arizona 10
Final

Cleveland 6
Seattle 4
Final

Bulls Get 39 Points From Derrick Rose To Hold Off Magic 102-99

The Orlando Magic played without their superstar Dwight Howard and it showed especially on the defensive end of it. The Bulls shot over 60 percent and Derrick Rose led them to a 102-99 victory. Magic guard Jameer Nelson hit a shot at the buzzer, but it came to late and the Magic fell to the Bulls.

This was a very important game for the Orlando Magic as they needed to prove they could play with a team like the Bulls without their superstar. They did and came up just a little short. The problem for the Magic is when Howard is in the game they never seem to get this kind of effort from everyone. Overall, Stan Van Gundy has to be happy with this performance, but I am sure he will have some complaints like he always does.

Manny Ramirez Enters Hall Of Shame After Announcing Retirement

Manny Ramirez was a player we cheered for and hoped better of, but we all should have known better. Manny never took the game of baseball that seriously, just ask many of the teammates through the years he has played with. He enjoyed playing the game, but it was not something that was real serious to him. I guess that was Manny being Manny.

Now that he has retired instead of facing an 100 game suspension for a failed drug test, we can now officially enter Manny Ramirez into the Hall Of Shame with a number of other players. Many hit over 500 home runs, but will never be in the Hall Of Fame. I think Many Ramirez could care less, as he never took the game that seriously, so why would he care. At least Manny got into one Hall the Hall Of Shame.

Kentucky Wildcats Continue To Get Bumper Recruiting Classes

The Kentucky Wildcats and Coach John Calipari have a good thing going it seems. Doron lamb, Terrence Jones, and Brandon Knight made a big impact on Kentucky’s run into the Final Four. These three could leave for the NBA, but Wildcat fans have nothing to worry about. Calipari has one of the best recruiting classes coming in this fall.

Kentucky’s incoming freshman class includes three of the nation’s top six prospects in 6-foot-2 point guard Marquis Teague,6-7 small forward Mike Gilchrist and 6-10 forward Anthony Davis. The class also features 6-9 forward Kyle Wiltjer, the nation’s No. 25 prospect. Anthony Davis is the one player who could be the next big star. Look for most of these incoming freshman to see plenty playing time. I do not know how John Calipari does it, but he continues to bring in top recruits to his program. His newest crop has plenty of talent and will have a big impact on the Wildcats this fall.

Don't Diss Rajon Rondo Could Come Back To Bite You

The Chicago Bulls made a statement in their route of the Boston Celtics the other night. Rajon Rondo was a guy who took everything in and kept to himself. Television announcers were not kind to Rondo and how they felt Derrick Rose dominated him. In fact many people felt Rose is much quicker than Rajon Rondo. If there is one thing people should know about Rajon Rondo is is best not to diss him.

Just when you think Rajon Rondo cannot compete that is when he is the most dangerous. Rose is having an MVP year, but do not sell Rajon Rondo short. This is the same Rondo who asked to cover a bigger more powerful Lebron James in a game. One word of warning do not diss Rajon Rondo he hears what people are saying and he will have a rebuttal on the court.

Matt Kenseth Ends Losing Streak At Texas Motor Speedway

Everyone was wondering if Matt Kenseth would ever win another race, well the wondering can stop as he dominated the race Saturday in Texas and took the checkered flag. It end a 76 race losing skid and even Kenseth had to be wondering when he would get back to victory lane.

Kenseth led 169 of 334 laps at the 1½-mile, high-banked track for his 19th career victory, his first since California in February 2009 when he won the first two races of that season. Matt Kenseth can drive a race car there was never no doubt, but it just goes to show you every week you never know who could find their way into victory lane.



1. Matt Kenseth, Ford
2. Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet
3. Carl Edwards, Ford
4. Greg Biffle, Ford
5. Paul Menard, Chevrolet
6. Marcos Ambrose, Ford
7. David Ragan, Ford
8. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet
10. Kurt Busch, Dodge

NBA Schedule April 5, 2011

Milwaukee
Orlando
7:00pm ET

Charlotte
Cleveland
7:00pm ET

Detroit
Washington
7:00pm ET

Minnesota
New Jersey
7:00pm ET

San Antonio
Atlanta
7:00pm ET

Toronto
New York
7:30pm ET

Philadelphia
Boston
7:30pm ET

Phoenix
Chicago
8:00pm ET

LA Clippers
Memphis
8:00pm ET

Sacramento
Houston
8:30pm ET

Oklahoma City
Denver
9:00pm ET

Golden State
Portland
10:00pm ET

Utah
LA Lakers
10:30pm ET

NHL Schedule April 5, 2011

Tampa Bay
Buffalo
7:00pm ET

Washington
Toronto
7:00pm ET

New Jersey
Pittsburgh
7:30pm ET

Philadelphia
Ottawa
7:30pm ET

Chicago
Montreal
7:30pm ET

Colorado
St. Louis
8:00pm ET

Atlanta
Nashville
8:00pm ET

Columbus
Dallas
8:30pm ET

Vancouver
Edmonton
9:00pm ET

Is Dwight Howard Headed Out Of Orlando?

Dwight Howard will have a tough decision when 2012 gets here. Will he stay with the Orlando Magic or we he test the free agency waters. Many people feel he will test the waters and I really cannot blame him one bit. The Magic continue to surround him with players it seems who do not have the desire to win a championship like Howard. Most of his teammates stand around and do nothing, but collect a check.

Howard is getting tired of it and went off on his teammates the other day. You really cannot blame him as he is tired of losing especially since he has a very talented team. Howard is getting frustrated and when that happens a player wants out. Unless Orlando makes some changes for the better look for Superman to fly right out of Orlando.

Will Kendrick Perkins Trade Come Back To Haunt Boston?

The Boston Celtics has always been a smart team in the moves they make during the off-season and during the season. This latest move though has to get you wondering what they are thinking. Boston sent Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City and acquiring forward Jeff Green and center Nenad Krstic. Now Green and Krstic are very nice players, but in reality the Celtics post a big piece of their swagger with Perkins gone.

Kendrick Perkins is one of the few big men in the league who does not need help guarding people. Shaq gets into foul trouble pretty easy, while Perkins does not foul out very often. The Celtics got smaller and are hoping Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal get and stay healthy. That is a big thing to hope for, but I guess they think it is possible. I think down the stretch and the playoffs they will wish they had Kendrick Perkins especially if they play against Dwight Howard and the Magic. Perkins was one guy who gave Howard a lot of trouble. I guess we will have to wait and see how this all plays out.

NHL Schedule February 25, 2011

NY Rangers
Washington
7:00pm ET

Pittsburgh
Carolina
7:00pm ET

Phoenix
Columbus
7:00pm ET

Ottawa
Buffalo
7:30pm ET

New Jersey
Tampa Bay
7:30pm ET

Florida
Atlanta
7:30pm ET

San Jose
Calgary
9:00pm ET

St. Louis
Edmonton
9:00pm ET

Minnesota
Anaheim
10:00pm ET

Around The Diamond: 2011 Philadelphia Phillies Preview

It is time for our Spring Training Preview and were going to start it in the National League with the 2011 edition of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies made a big splash in the off-season with the signing of Cliff Lee. Adding Lee gives the Phillies the best rotation in baseball bar none. The Phillies can throw Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt, and probably Joe Blanton. That is starting pitcher any baseball club would be happy to have. The bullpen is anchored by Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson. Not that they will need them much with the starting pitching that they have right now.

On offense the Phillies lost Jayson Werth which was an important bat in the lineup. They should still be fine though as they have a lot of talent. Below is a tentative batting order for the Phillies.

1. Jimmy Rollins (SS)
2. Placido Polanco (3B)
3. Chase Utley (2B)
4. Ryan Howard (1B)
5. Carlos Ruiz (C)
6. Domonic Brown (RF)
7. Raul Ibanez (LF)
8. Shane Victorino (CF)

They still have the potential to score a bunch of runs. A healthy Jimmy Rollins could be the key to everything. If he can stay on the field and off the disabled list the Phillies could be the best team in baseball. On paper the Phillies should be an World Series favorite.

Around The Diamond: 2011 Atlanta Braves Preview

When you talk about the 2011 Atlanta Braves two things come to mind right away Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones. This will be the first time in a long time the Braves will be led by someone besides Bobby Cox. The Braves have hired Fredi Gonzalez to take over for Bobby Cox. Getting Chipper Jones back is also something many people will be watching very closely. The Braves have lost quite a feel people from last years team.

Manager Bobby Cox (Retired)
RP Billy Wagner (Retired)
RP Takashi Saito (Released)
RP Michael Dunn (Traded)
RP Kyle Farnsworth (Released)
OF Matt Diaz (Released)
OF Melky Cabrera (Released)
OF Rick Ankiel (Released)
1B Derrek Lee (Released)
1B Troy Glaus (Released)
UT Omar Infante (Traded)

That is a lot of players for the Braves to lose and the list additions is much shorter and nothing really earth shattering either.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez
2B Dan Uggla (Trade)
RP Scott Linebrink (Trade)
RP George Sherrill (Free Agent)
RP Anthony Varvaro (Waivers)
OF Joe Mather (Waivers)

Picking up Dan Uggla was a good move as he is a player that I really like and the Braves had an issue at second base last season. The starting pitching for the Braves have been in the past their strong suit and they have a nice rotation for this coming season as well. Tim Hudson,Tommy Hanson, and Derek Lowe are three good ones to build around for the Braves. The bullpen was good last season, but will take a hit in 2011. Gone are Billy Wagner, and the departure of Takashi Saito will hurt them.

The projected lineup below is what the Braves will probably go with barring and injuries or setbacks in spring training. I like their starting lineup and if Chipper Jones can stay healthy they should be fine. I think for the Braves it will come down to their pitching and how well the bullpen performs. Do not count this team out as they have enough talent to contend.

CF Nate McLouth
LF Martin Prado
3B Chipper Jones
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
RF Jason Heyward
SS Alex Gonzalez
1B Freddie Freeman

Jeff Fisher Out As Titans Coach Does This Open The Door For Vince Young

It came as a shock to many people yesterday when Jeff Fischer and the Tennessee Titans parted ways. I guess we all should have seen this coming. Bud Adams the owner did not really stand up for his coach a lot in the Vince Young turmoil, so this maybe is not as big as a shock as we think. Fisher was not given a contract extension, so that could have had something to do with it as well. Does this open the door for Vince Young?

Bud Adams said he was getting rid of Vince Young, but that could have changed now. I think Adams all along wanted to keep Young and now with Fisher leaving it opens the door back up for Vince Young. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the end. No matter how you look at it this soap opera did not end well.

College Basketball Scores January 27, 2011

Michigan 61
25 Michigan St 57
Final

Maryland 66
Virginia 42
Final

19 Vanderbilt 81
Miss St 74
Final

Boston Coll 68
3 Duke 84
Final

USC 63
Arizona St 61
Final

DePaul 60
S Florida 71
Final

20 Illinois 49
Indiana 52
Final

UCLA 74
Arizona 85
Final

Oregon 67
Stanford 59
Final

Oregon St 57
California 85
Final

Womens College Basketball Scores January 27, 2011

20 Georgia 48
S Carolina 57
Final

21 Florida St 102
Boston Coll 93
Final

N.C. St 77
16 Miami (FL) 84
Final

25 GA Tech 78
VA Tech 57
Final

Michigan 69
24 Ohio St 66
Final

Miss St 55
5 Tennessee 81
Final

22 WI Green Bay 66
Butler 62
Final

10 Michigan St 64
18 Iowa 66
Final

4 Stanford 91
Oregon 56
Final

17 Kentucky 74
Mississippi 68
Final

Arizona St 60
11 UCLA 70

NBA Schedule January 28, 2011

Memphis
Philadelphia
7:00pm ET Add to Calendar TV: SS, CSP
Milwaukee
Toronto
7:00pm ET

New Jersey
Indiana
7:00pm ET

New York
Atlanta
7:30pm ET

Detroit
Miami
7:30pm ET

Denver
Cleveland
7:30pm ET

Orlando
Chicago
8:00pm ET

Washington
Oklahoma City
8:00pm ET

Minnesota
Utah
9:00pm ET

Sacramento
LA Lakers
10:30pm ET

Boston
Phoenix
10:30pm ET

Charlotte
Golden State
10:30pm ET

NBA Scores January 27, 2011

Miami 88
New York 93
Final

Houston 106
Dallas 111
Final

Boston 88
Portland 78
Final

The Super Bowl Hair Show Troy Polamalu vs Clay Matthews

It seems hair is the main subject early in this Super Bowl as Troy Polamalu and Clay Matthews have plenty of it. Polamalu hair is sponsored, and reportedly insured for $1 million, by Head & Shoulders. Matthews for his part has signed a one-year deal with Unilever’s Suave brand. The deal includes media appearances before and after the Super Bowl and a production day should the company want to film a commercial with him. All of this from their hair, but luckily for both players they have much more going for themselves.

Both attended USC and both are All-Pros on defense for their respective teams and each one can have a big impact on this years Super Bowl. Many people may talk about their hair, but the truth is both are excellent football players. In fact they may be two of the best defensive players in the NFL. Each one brings a special talent to the table and that includes a great set of hair. No matter who wins the Super Bowl the one thing that is for sure we have never had hair talk before.

Notre Dame Men's College Basketball Making An Impact In The Big East

Last night the Notre Dame mens basketball team went to Pittsburgh and proved they were no fluke by defeating the No.2 team in the land by a score of 56-51. Notre Dame got 19 points from Ben Hansbrough and 16 points from Carleton Scott. Notre Dame has continued their impressive run so far this season. They have now beat No.2 Pittsburgh, Georgetown, and UConn.

Notre Dame plays tough defense and has some excellent shooters. This team is loaded with seniors and they run their offensive sets very well. The Fighting Irish play exceptional at home and are tough to beat on their home floor. Right now they are playing well and could be a tough matchup when March Madness gets here.

Orlando Magic Need To Learn How To Play D-E-F-E-N-S-E

The Orlando Magic are up to their own tricks again not realizing that you cannot outscore every team that you play. Getting it done on the defensive end is something that they must learn to do. I think trading for a defensive stopper should be in the Magic future. Until they do that they will just be a team that gets into the playoffs only to lose.

Dwight Howard is really the only defensive stopper they have, but when he gets into foul trouble that is all they have. Brining someone in may be the only choice that they have. I really do not see anyone on their bench that can get the job done. Unless Orlando gets better defensively it will be another fast exit out of the playoffs. Dwight Howard maybe getting tired of it and him signing long-term may be effected as well. Get Howard some defensive help is the answer to the Magic problems.

Do We Still Consider Jay Cutler A Quitter?

Before the facts we all considered Jay Cutler a quitter for not finishing the game, but now with an MRI we find out he was injured. Does this change anything about the perception about Cutler and how it played out? Now every person has a different threshold of pain and may his is not as high as others. I know most players would tell you they would try to give it a go and they would have to carry them off the field.

Cutler was injured, but when you are playing for a Super Bowl berth you have to not give up. Like I said before Favre and others would have stayed on the field. Emmitt Smith played a whole game with a separated shoulder. It's something you have to do when you want to get to the Championship level. No one really knows how bad Cutler's knee was except him and he will never tell. I guess we are all to sit and wonder why. The telltale sign for me was all the players who went to Twitter and ripped on Cutler. That speaks volumes to what the game means to people and individuals.

College Basketball Scores January 24, 2011

15 Notre Dame 56
2 Pittsburgh 51
Final

Baylor 61
Kansas St 69
Final

NHL Schedule January 25, 2011

NY Islanders
Pittsburgh
7:00pm ET

Florida
NY Rangers
7:00pm ET

Anaheim
Columbus
7:00pm ET

Toronto
Tampa Bay
7:30pm ET

Buffalo
Ottawa
7:30pm ET

Montreal
Philadelphia
7:30pm ET

Minnesota
Chicago
8:30pm ET

Edmonton
Phoenix
9:00pm ET

NHL Scores January 24, 2011

Toronto 4
Carolina 6
Final

NY Rangers 2
Washington 1
Final SO

St. Louis 3
Colorado 4
Final

Nashville 1
Calgary 3
Final

Dallas 1
Vancouver 7
Final

Boston 0
Los Angeles 2
Final

NBA Schedule January 25, 2011

Denver
Washington
7:00pm ET

Cleveland
Boston
7:30pm ET

LA Clippers
Dallas
8:30pm ET

Charlotte
Sacramento
10:00pm ET

Utah
LA Lakers
10:30pm ET

NBA Scores January 24, 2011

Detroit 103
Orlando 96
Final

Cleveland 101
New Jersey 103
Final

Memphis 100
Toronto 98
Final

Phoenix 95
Philadelphia 105
Final

Washington 106
New York 115
Final

Oklahoma City 89
New Orleans 91
Final

Houston 129
Minnesota 125
Final

Milwaukee 83
Chicago 92
Final

Sacramento 96
Portland 81
Final

San Antonio 113
Golden State 102
Final

Did Jay Cutler Quit On His Team And The City Of Chicago?

Today is probably a day that Jay Cutler should just stay in bed. Do not read the newspaper,turn on the television, or go to the Internet. Cutler is not the most liked guy right now in the City of Chicago. Jay Cutler was not able to go back into the game because of a hurt knee and any chance of Chicago making a Super Bowl went out with it. Cutler was defended by his teammates after the game, but for how much longer is the question.

When you play a team sport there will be times that you have to play injured it is part of the game. When you are playing for a Super Bowl spot you just cannot give up as easy as Cutler did. Would Brett Favre sit out with a bad knee if he had a chance for a Super Bowl. It does not work that way as you must leave everything on the field. If the Bears would have lost with Cutler on a bum knee the fans and city would have understood. Just sitting on the bench and not giving it your all is hard for people to fathom.

I guess we will never know how bad Cutler was hurt unless he has a MRI done to his knee. The bottom line though is you have to play through it and give it every ounce of effort you have. If it was a regular season game you could understand that, but he was playing for a chance at a Super Bowl those things do not come around often.

NHL Schedule January 24, 2011

Toronto
Carolina
7:00pm ET

NY Rangers
Washington
7:30pm ET

St. Louis
Colorado
9:30pm ET

Nashville
Calgary
9:30pm ET

Dallas
Vancouver
10:00pm ET

Boston
Los Angeles
10:30pm ET

NHL Scores January 23, 2011

Philadelphia 4
Chicago 1
Final

Florida 2
New Jersey 5
Final

Buffalo 5
NY Islanders 3
Final

Atlanta 1
Tampa Bay 7
Final

Nashville 3
Edmonton 2
Final SO

NBA Schedule January 24, 2011

Detroit
Orlando
7:00pm ET

Cleveland
New Jersey
7:00pm ET

Memphis
Toronto
7:00pm ET

Phoenix
Philadelphia
7:00pm ET

Washington
New York
7:30pm ET

Oklahoma City
New Orleans
8:00pm ET

Houston
Minnesota
8:00pm ET

Milwaukee
Chicago
8:00pm ET

Sacramento
Portland
10:00pm ET

San Antonio
Golden State
10:30pm ET

Carson Palmer Wants Out Of Cincinnati It Seems

Carson Palmer has had a rough past two seasons and it seems that he has had enough. According to various sources Carson Palmer will seek a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer is tired of losing and he may even retire if he does not get the trade he wants. Palmer is financially secured, so money is really not an issue for him.

Like everything these are unnamed sources, so you do not know how much to put into it. I can understands Carson Palmer's frustration and maybe it is time for him to move on. It seems right now him and the Bengals are not seeing eye to eye on a lot of things. When you start losing this is what happens to you. People want out and we will see in the end if that is how it works out for Carson Palmer.

Is Nascar Trying To End Jimmie Johnson's Dominance?

It seems that Nascar could be changing how they give out points as the 2011 Nascar season approaches. Now almost everyone will agree that the point system should have been scrapped a long time ago. If changes are made were they designed to slow down Jimmie Johnson dominance in the sport. Johnson has dominated the Chase and has won five championships in a row.

Getting a new points system will not really bug Jimmie Johnson that much. Him and his team will just adjust and go after another championship, because that is what he does. Many people think that the change comes at a weird time. Did Nascar do it to stem the tide that Jimmie Johnson has built? Many think they did, but in the end we will see how this all plays out. I think it will have little effect on Jimmie Johnson.

Can The Jets Stop The Steelers?

This could be one of the best AFC Championship games in a very long time. The New York Jets travel to Pittsburgh to see who will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Most people are picking the Pittsburgh Steelers to move on. I am not in the thinking as I think the Jets can stop the Steelers. Many people are overlooking what the Jets have done, so far in the playoffs. Beating Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in consecutive weeks on the road was impressive.

If the Jets want to win they will need to do a few things. The first thing that they must have happen is not turn the ball over. This means Mark Sanchez must play mistake free if they want to win. Santonio Holmes is a guy who must play big, and I think he will. Holmes use to be a Steeler and even though he said he holds no grudges the way he was sent packing had to hurt. Look for him to have a big game against the Steelers.

On defense the Jets must stop the run when the Steelers have the ball. To beat Big Ben you must make him one dimensional to beat him. If he is forced to pass he will make plays, but he will also make mistakes as well. He does not protect the ball all the time in the pocket either. The Jets can win this game and I like them to win 21-14.

NHL Schedule January 21, 2011

NY Islanders
Buffalo
7:30pm ET

Montreal
Ottawa
7:30pm ET

Tampa Bay
Florida
7:30pm ET

Dallas
Calgary
9:00pm ET

Time To Give Roy Williams The Boot

When the Dallas Cowboys traded for Roy Williams not to many people thought he would be the answer except maybe Jerry Jones. So far the experiment has been something out of a horror movie. Williams has not lived up to what was expected of him. The Cowboys gave a lot away to bring him in and it's time to just cut those ties. The Cowboys will lose a lot, but trading him away would basically get them nothing in return. Who wants a guy with a huge salary and what the Cowboys would get in return would be virtually nothing.

It is also not fair to other players on the Cowboys. Patrick Crayton should play more and by cutting ties with Roy Williams will give him a chance to do just that. The Cowboys can also draft some wide receiver talent if they decide that is what they need to do. The bottom line is you cannot keep putting a guy on the field who is hurting the team and that is exactly what Roy Williams is doing to the Cowboys. Best to cut ties now before it gets worse and I'm afraid it could get worse when it comes to Roy Williams.

Chalk Talk: Atlanta Braves 2010 Preview

In this installment of Chalk Talk we will take a look at the 2010 Atlanta Braves. The Atlanta Braves had made 14 straight playoff appearances until last year where they fell a little short. This year will be Bobby Cox last year as manager of the Braves as he is retiring. The Braves are looking to bounce back and it starts with there offense. The Braves need a healthy Troy Glaus and adding Melky Cabrera should help them as well. Chipper Jones is still a good player who brings it every day. The offense will score runs, but must stay healthy all season long. Losing anyone in this lineup can really hurt the Braves.

Projected lineup

1. CF Nate McLouth
2. 2B Martin Prado
3. 3B Chipper Jones
4. 1B Troy Glaus
5. C Brian McCann
6. SS Yunel Escobar
7. LF Matt Diaz
8. RF Melky Cabrera

Pitching is something the Atlanta braves always seemed to have plenty of through the years. The Braves have one of the better pitching staffs and need all to perform at a high level this coming year. Adding Billy Wagner in the bullpen should help them as well. If Derek Lowe can bounce back this staff should keep the Braves in contention all season long.

1. RHP Tim Hudson
2. RHP Derek Lowe
3. RHP Jair Jurrjens
4. RHP Tommy Hanson
5. RHP Kenshin Kawakami

Projected closer

LHP Billy Wagner: 26 K's in 15 2/3 IP after return.

Chalk Talk: Los Angeles Angels 2010 Preview

On Chalk Talk today we will talk a little bit about the Los Angeles Angels and how they are looking for 2010. The Angels in the off-season lost some players they will need to replace. Gone are Chone Figgins, John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver in free agency. Losing Figgins and Guerrero will hurt. The Angels did bring in Hideki Matsui to DH. He will not be any help in the outfield, but has a great bat. Brandon Woods will take over for Figgins and try to produce like Figgins did. This team will score runs as they still are very talented on the offensive side of it.

1. SS Erick Aybar
2. RF Bobby Abreu
3. CF Torii Hunter
4. 1B Kendry Morales
5. DH Hideki Matsui
6. LF Juan Rivera
7. 2B Howie Kendrick
8. C Mike Napoli
9. 3B Brandon Wood

Pitching is usually the key to a run at the playoffs and the World Series. Losing John Lackey will hurt the staff, but it is still a good one. Overall the pitching staff is good, but losing their ace Lackey really hurt them. They do have one of the best closers in the business so that will also help offset losing Lackey a little. They key is more consistent pitching out of the starting staff.

1. RHP Jered Weaver
2. LHP Joe Saunders
3. RHP Ervin Santana
4. LHP Scott Kazmir
5. RHP Joel Pineiro

Projected closer
LHP Brian Fuentes

NCAA College Basketball Schedule

East Region

11 Washington
3 New Mexico
5:50pm ET

9 Wake Forest
1 Kentucky
8:15pm ET

Midwest Region

14 Ohio
6 Tennessee
3:35pm ET

9 N Iowa
1 Kansas
5:40pm ET

South Region
10 St. Mary's
2 Villanova
1:05pm ET

11 Old Dominion
3 Baylor
5:45pm ET

West Region
13 Murray St
5 Butler
3:20pm ET

7 BYU
2 Kansas St
8:10pm ET