It's been a while since my last post (since the Nuggets were in contention for a Finals birth) but that was not to be. So much is going on in the Sports world so instead of dedicating entire posts to just a couple, I have quick blurbs on everything I've paid attention to, at least. Here it goes.
Marshall See Marshall Do
Months after Jay Cutler bullied his way out of Denver, Number 15 is looking to do the same. The (current) star wideout in Denver argues that his compensation is not matching his on the field production (100+ receptions in the last 2 seasons). Brandon Marshall has had numerous encounters with the law since he became a Bronco and is showing no real sign of change, hence Denver's reluctance to renegotiate his current contract. As a fan, it would be sad to see our best 2 offensive players gone, but Marshall's extracurriculars are getting pretty tiresome. Here are some ideas: stay out of trouble, have another pro-bowl season, and get paid! That's how things work in the NFL.
Deja Vu
After firing Clint Hurdle, the Rockies were streaking like it was 2007. Before dropping their last two to the Angels, the Rockies had won 17 of 18 and starting to believe. After dropping the last two, they need to figure out if they can contend for a playoff spot and keep up some sort of consistent play or whether they'll just be satisfied. As someone who thought the organization was content with its state before, I was surprised to see the departure of Hurdle in order for change. I just hope the rest of the team is working for change too.
LSU wins College World Series
After winning game 1 in extra innings and letting Texas tie up the series at a game a piece, LSU was able to lay a smackdown on Texas to clinch the title. Go SEC.
Manny in the Minors
You want proof that baseball doesn't care about steroids? The provision in Manny's "punishment" that allows for a Minor League stint to get back to form should be all you need. He took a women's fertility drug that was listed on the banned substances list! If he was suspended for 50 games, it should be 50 games with ABSOLUTELY no allowance of minor league time or anything close to that. If he needs to go to the minors to get "back to form" that should happen after the 50 game suspension, not during it. If he was worried about being out of form, he should have considered not taking a banned substance!
Wimbledon
On ESPN, many are questioning whether Roger Federer winning Wimbledon "would count" without him having to face Rafael Nadal. If he does win, he will have 15 Majors, most all time in addition to the career grand slam he just achieved at the French Open. It shouldn't and doesn't matter who you beat in any sort of championship, especially a milestone one. Anybody discounting Phil Jackson's 10th title after facing the Magic? I didn't think so.
Shaqtus No More
Highlighting the trades that have gone on leading up to tonight's NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns traded future Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the Cavs, it is a much improved shot at post at least for the year. If they do win the title, Shaq will have given Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James their first championships. If nothing else, maybe Shaq can teach LeBron how to be a good sport.
Other trades include a trade between Orlando and New Jersey sending Vince Carter to the Magic in hopes for another shot at a title. During the draft, my Nuggets aqcuired Ty Lawson of UNC in a trade with Minnesota so props to Denver. I do still hope they can sign at least Chris Andersen to another deal other than their other free agents but all of them would be great.
USA USA USA!!!
If you're not chanting that, you should be. After the miracle that launched the US Soccer team to the semifinals against top ranked Spain, we beat them and will play in the Final vs. Brazil. Some are calling the upset of Spain a miracle on grass, I wouldn't go as far as to compare it to the miracle on ice but it is always great to beat other countries that plan on walking all over us. In the immortal words of Stan Marsh, "Go America, Go Broncos."
