Quoth The Dongslinger, Nevermore.

Posted by Sean Doyle, December 17, 2010

                    
Image by Colin & Sean Doyle.

Ah, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak December

And each separate dying ember wrought it's ghost upon the floor

- Edgar Allen Poe (From "The Raven")

And so, two hundred and ninety-seven, gridiron contests neath pigskin heaven

Saw the end of number four, the indomitable ironman was no more

For on this Monday in the city of motor, our prophet never answered the bell

My body lay broken said he, tempered by the tundra of frozen hell

And for all these slings and for violence yell, my years of glory, my love of war

For all of this remember and nothing more

Quoth the Dongslinger, "Nevermore."

- Sean C. Doyle (From "The Dummy Bros")

Run, Fatboy, Run!!

Posted by Sean Doyle, December 17, 2010.

Graphic by Sean & Colin Doyle.

Karma's a bitch, Number #5.

So now we hear Donald Sterling, the NBA's variation on the crazy old uncle concept, is heckling his own "star" player Baron Davis* from the sidelines. Mr. Sterling's bellows have reportedly contained references to Baron's rotundity and, of course, his ever feeble game. To which I say yes!!! Hells yes!!! Despite what protestations may emanate from the bla-bla-osphere, Baron Davis is fat and his game is shitty. He is lazy and arrogant and overpaid and deserves to be heckled on a nightly basis for pulling down $13 million dollars while averaging 8 points and 5 assists for a 5-20 team. I know, you say how can I defend someone like Donald Sterling? Well, I hate to dust off my old cliche machine but (clearing my throat) even a broken clock is right twice a day.

*I remember going to a Knicks-Clippers game at the Garden a few years back and being truly astounded by the bizarrely mediocre performance turned in by Baron Davis. I recall one play in particular really pissed me off. Davis ambled down the court at turtleman-speed and then, with 3 defenders on him, 2 wide open teammates and a ton of time left on the shot clock, heaved up an awkward 3 point shot that fell well short of the rim. It was one of the most selfish and stupid things I had ever seen on a basketball court.

Shit Sandwich

Posted by Sean Doyle, December 10, 2010.

Time to chew a little crow. After all, it was only six games deep when I penned a peppy premature positivo on Long Island's prodigal pucksters. Since that time the Isles are a steady 2-15-3, taking their penchant for mediocrity to Horowitzian proportions. Of the nine major New York sports franchises, none have mastered morbid moribundity quite like the good ol' Islanders. These Isles are forever in a state of terminal decline, or to put it all pretty-like, a near constant shit sandwich.

Speaking of shit sandwiches, what the in the sam hell were the Bo-Sox thinking when they cut Carl Crawford a $142 Million dollar check? He's a 30 year old corner outfielder with 15 home run power for chissakes!! Adrian Beltre would have been happy with a third of that cheddar (and he's a gold glove infielder with 3x the power)! I can't wait for the third year of this deal when Crawford hits like .288 with 9 home runs and 58 runs batted in, steals 27 bases and posts a .712. OPS all while picking up a $21 million dollar check for a third place Red Sox team. That is going to be priceless....or for the ever "savvy" Bo-Sox, the opposite of priceless.

I'm Bruce Willis

Posted by Sean Doyle, December 2, 2010.

Cool video from Wreck & Salvage detailing the epic win that is Bruce Willis. The man who singlehandedly saved Nakatomi Towers from effete East Germans without so much as a pair of Reeboks gets a well deserved video tribute. Yippie kai yay, motherfucker!

Dirk West-witzki

Posted by Sean Doyle, November 30, 2010.

Cool video from the Dallas Mavericks' media department. Cuban is smart to roll out these viral gems. This again demonstrates why Mark Cuban is light years ahead of other NBA owners.

The Best of The Best (Part 1)

Posted by Sean Doyle, November 21. 2010.

"I really enjoyed your Sprint commercial.."

The two greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL (yes, I said it) Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are facing off right now on the old tiffany network. It has become an annual tradition this Brady-Manning Bowl and is often the most hyped regular season game of the year. It is a time of great mirth (yes, I said it) for the armchair analyst and devoted stat head alike. Who is the best? Or rather, the best of the best ? (With all due deference to the great Eric Roberts)

Numbers alone don't tell this story. (Just an aside - How many shite sports columns have opened with that worn dead cliche line?) If we were to go on numbers alone (another cliche gem) you'd have to give it to Archie Manning's boy. Peyton's career stats are as follows: 382 TDs, 52,791 passing yards, 64.8% completion rate, and 95.1 passer rating over 13 seasons (all as starter). Brady's career looks like this: 242 TDs, 33,020 passing yards, and a 93.7 passer rating in 11 seasons (9 as starter).

But the postseason is where reputations are made (just ask Jim Kelly and Dan Marino). If we were to look only at the second season, than Brady trumps Manning. Brady has 4 Superbowl appearances and 3 Championships. Manning has 2 Superbowl appearances and 1 Championship. Though their career postseason stats are eerily similar (Brady: 28 TDs and 15 INTs, Manning: 28 TDs and 19 INTs) over the last decade, their has been no better big game quarterback (cliche hat trick!) than Tom Brady.

Speaking of big games. Brady bagged the the biggest game out there...

To be continued...

The Cincinnati Kid?

Posted by Sean Doyle, November 18, 2010

"Tell him the deal is three years at $15 million a year, take it or leave it. Wait him out and he'll wind up taking it. Where's he gonna go, Cincinnati?"

- Anonymous Source w/ Yankees

So now it's getting messy between the Bronx Bombers and their beloved marquee player. Sources close to the situation (read: Hank Steinbrenner) seem to be saying there is a wide gulf separating what Jeter and his agent want and what the Yanks are willing to give. So now, for the first time since 1995, there is an ever growing chance (though still very slim) that Derek Jeter suits up for a different franchise in 2011.

Yes, Jeet's numbers were down across the board in 2010 and he is going to turn 37 next summer. Here's the comp:

2009: .334 18 66 30 SB .871 OPS

2010: .270 10 67 18 SB .710 OPS

His defense, for which he won his controversial 5th gold glove in 2010, is much maligned due to his lack of range. At this point he may no longer be an acceptable major league shortstop.

So then, where do you put a position-less 37 year old ball player with a slipping offensive game and chip on his shoulder? Frankly....you put him back in the Bronx for four years at $18 million per. You play him at short in 2011 and then move him to third base in 2012, where his smaller range won't be as damaging. (Move A-Rod to DH in 2012 to make room for Jeter.) Let's face it, The Captain has earned this contract. 7 Pennants, 5 World Series rings, 11 All-Star nods, 4 Silver Sluggers, a lifetime .837 OPS, and countless priceless memories have made Jeet the Mickey Mantle of this generation. I've been to over a hundred Yankee games and I can tell you nobody made the game look more beautiful than Derek Jeter.

So Hank, bring the Captain home and let's go for number 28.

Besides, Minka belongs in the Big Apple...

If At First You Don't Succeed, Don't Try Again.

Posted by Sean Doyle, November 17, 2010.

Gary "Tata Toothy" Dell'abate made an appearance on Kimmel last week to promote his New York Times bestseller, "They Call Me Baba Boey". Unfortunately (for him, and us), Kimmel gave Toothy a chance to redeem his infamous "first pitch" from Citi Field. Boy, if this is redemption...

Further Proof That Miami Has The Worst Fans In Sports...

Posted by Sean Doyle, November 16, 2010.

Fan Up, Miami! Your 6-4, 3rd place Heat need help! Some genius in the Heat's front office has obviously gotten sick of the notoriously fickle Miami sports fan and felt a little passion instruction was needed. Hence, "It's time to 'Fan Up, Miami!" This new (irony-free) marketing attempt at stimulating the DOA Miami fan is at turns hilarious and sad. You would think the signing of the three biggest free agents in the sport (James, Wade, Bosh) along with the non-stop hype/noise machine that accompanied it, would be enough to rally the affections of the South Beach hoopster set. But, true to form, the zombie Miamian lacks the necessary spirit to support even the most star laden franchise on Earth.

Imagine

Posted by Sean Doyle, November 2, 2010.

...And Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out, Bonds.

Posted by Colin Doyle, November 1, 2010.

Image courtesy of The Bleacher Report

The Bonds Era (Error) in San Francisco could not have ended more appropriately.

Bonds can keep his phony home run titles and "MVP's." The city of San Francisco will take this one. In the end it was the amazing pitching performances from the Giants' young pitching staff that paved the way for the first World Series title in San Francisco in 56 years.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Brett The Dongslinger Will Never Die...

Posted by Sean Doyle, November 1, 2010.

Image edited by Sean & Colin Doyle (Beard Image Courtesy of Katchop.com.)

Following a brutal loss to the Pats yesterday in Foxboro, Brett's Vikes are now 2-5 on the season. To add insult to injury the legendary dongslinger (Brett) was carted off the field following a hard Myron Pryor helmet-to-chin slam. As the blood gushed from his grey speckled chin and Brett laid face down on the hard New England Earth, the horror of the 2010 Minnesota season must have soaked in. How would Hollywood handle this tragic tale? Hmmm...

_____________________

DONGSLINGER THE MOVIE

INT. ROWDY FOOTBALL STADIUM - DAY

Brett, 41, an aging warrior, lays face down on the dead cold frozen tundra. It is late in the 4th quarter. Time is running low in the game and his career.

BRETT (VOICE OVER)

Is this why I came back? (As he wipes

blood from his chin) To get coldcocked

by some punk? To be sneered at by a

bunch of snotty Massholes?

The crowd's roars go silent as Brett attempts to lift himself up. He doesn't have the strength and he falls back to the Earth.

BRETT (V.O. CONT.)

292 straight starts, 504 touchdowns,

and 3 goddamn MVP's and this is how

it ends?

The blood is now gushing from Brett's chin, painting the field red.

BRETT (V.O. CONT.)

I'm a punchline? I break my ass

playing a man's game and I'm a

national punchline? So I sent a

chick a pic of little Brett? Big deal!

Now I gotta hear that nasally little

puke Bill Maher make fun of my

button? I'd break that tiny putz

with both hands tied behind my back!

Doctors and coaches are now swirling around Brett.

DOCTOR

Brett? Can you hear me?

BRETT (V.O. CONT.)

I hear you. I hear the world!

Quit Old Man! That's what they're

saying. Well you can't take this

game from me. No one can. I'll play

till the last drop of blood is

squeezed from my body. Tell the press,

tell Bill Maher, tell my broken ankles

and my bloody sliced neck I'll be back

next Sunday...

       

Undertaker Vs. Brock??

Posted by Sean Doyle, October 25, 2010

Fresh off his shocking UFC title loss to Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar was confronted by his old WWE rival The Undertaker. Fanhouse MMA reporter Ariel Helwani was conducting a post match interview with The Undertaker when Brock walked past and the two behemoths exchanged a dead icy stare down. Rumors and hyperbole are sweeping cyberspace as to the real meaning behind the stare. WON's Dave Meltzer thinks it was all a staged work to set up a big money Wrestlemania match between the two. While others believe these colossal combatants have a legitimate beef dating back to Brock's stormy days in WWE. Either way, one thing is certain, this story is just getting started...

Wednesday's Whips

Posted by Sean Doyle, October 20, 2010.

The Islanders are in first place. I repeat, the freakin' Islanders are in first place! I know we are only six games deep but hell, I'd be happy if the Isles were in 1st after one game. Coming off a damn impressive victory over the undefeated Maple Leafs, the Isles are now 3-1-2. Somebody dust off Lord Stanley's Cup cause it's coming home to Uniondale!

Photographic evidence of why Zach Greinke doesn't want to come to New York...

We are now just a few minutes away from Game 5 of the 2010 ALCS. The Bombers are down 3-1 and facing elimination at home. Several of Girardi's (binder-bound) moves have not paid off thus far. Starting Hughes in Texas, playing Burnett in Game 4, slapping that guy's ass in the Taco Bell commercial (see below), this has been a tough couple of weeks for old Joe. Now it all comes down to C.C., the $161 million dollar man with the 2010 season in the balance...

Win It For Freddy!!

Posted by Sean Doyle, October 18, 2010

Photo Courtesy of Al Bello/ Getty Images North America.

Freddy "Sez" Shuman, the Yankee uber fan whose spoon-to-frying plate cheers rallied many a Bronx crowd, died on Sunday at the age of 85. I had the good fortune to ring the legendary frying pan at the September 25 game against the Red Sox, my last game of the season and the last time I will ever again get to claim the pleasure. I've been to over 100 games in the last decade or so and I can't recall a time when I didn't hear the reliable spoon clang echo across the old ballpark (and the new one..)

Now, with the passing of George Steinbrenner, Bob Sheperd, and Freddy Sez...all remnants of the Old Guard are gone....

Graphic by Colin & Sean Doyle.

Nash vs. Donovan

Posted by Sean Doyle, October 15, 2010

Episode 1

Episode 2

Our Long National Nightmare Is Over...

Posted by Sean Doyle, October 12, 2010.

Image Courtesy Of New York Magazine.

On the crisp, clear morning of October 4, in the year of our Lord 2010, the New York Metropolitans parted ways with their beloved General Manager Omar "The Architect" Minaya, and Manager Jerry Manuel. Fans around the greater Tri-State area were left dumbfounded by the decision by the Wilpon Family to fire "The Architect" after another solid forth-place finish. One Met's fan who asked not to be named, (let's call him Timmy McNally of 1412 Tubbs Road in Bay Shore, NY) snidely remarked, "I'm puzzled by this...I mean 4 out of 5 is pretty good, no?" referring the the Met's 4th place finish in their five team division for the second consecutive year.

But in all seriousness folks, this move was long overdue. The last 4 seasons in Flushing have been nightmarish. Two consecutive collapses (2007 & 2008) followed by two outright failures (2009 & 2010) were more than enough to justify the end of the Minaya era. In a way, it's really kind of depressing. Minaya and company started out so well in 2005 with big moves that truly energized the struggling franchise. But soon enough, hope gave way to hype, and a number of horrible signings (Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo, K-Rod, etc) and strategic blunders (Tony Bernazard!!) left the Mets' organization in disarray.

Now for the first time in years there is light at the end of the tunnel for Mets' fans. To say the next move for the Wilpon family is huge would be an understatement.

It's Always Halladay In Philadelphia...

Posted by Sean Doyle, October 8, 2010.

Doc Halladay, the game's greatest hurler, just shut down the Cincy machine with ease in game one of the NLDS on Wednesday. He did so while pitching only the second no-hitter in postseason history. This on top of pitching a perfect game, winning 20 games, being an All-Star and likely winning the Cy Young this season. If the Phil's win the World Series could his (Halladay's) season be considered the greatest ever for a baseball player??

Here's my formula:

Cy Young + 20 wins + All-Star nod + Perfect game + Postseason No-Hitter + (Possible) World Series = Greatest Season Ever for Baseball Player. Bar none.

YANKS TO PLAYOFFS (AGAIN)!!!!!

Posted by Sean Doyle, September 28, 2010.

Photo Courtesy of Charlie Wenzelberg/ The New York Post.

Last night, with a 6-1 victory over the Blue Jays, the Bombers clinched their 15 postseason appearance in the last 16 years. How impressive is that stat? Well, in 48 seasons of existence the New York Mets have only made the postseason 7 times. The Yanks have more than doubled that stat in just the last decade and a half.

Today's Winners: The Knicks Superteam

Posted by Sean Doyle, September 29, 2010.

It now seems that the New Jersey/ Brooklyn Nyets have dropped out of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. The trade, which would have involved 4 teams and have shipped Derrick Favors and Devin Harris out and brought Melo to the swamp, has passed the Nets' deadline without resolution. Knicksnation is now doing a cautious celebration dance. Although, we could have had the super-team below if LeBron chose the Apple instead of the Beach....

Albert Haynesworth Is Fat And Stupid.

Posted by Sean Doyle, September 27, 2010.

Image Courtesy of Fox Sports.

America's most overpaid athlete, Washington Redskin DT Albert Haynesworth, has found a new way to sink his already badly damaged reputation to new lows.

Here's what Mr. Haynesworth said:

"I guess, in this world, we don't have a lot of people with backbones. Just because somebody pays you money don't mean they'll make you do whatever they want. I mean, that means everything is for sale. I mean, I'm not for sale," Haynesworth said. "Yeah, I signed the contract and got paid a lot of money, but just because, that don't mean I'm for sale or a slave or whatever."

So Albert played the slave card. He of a $100 Million dollar contract, who just received a nice $21 Million dollar bonus payment in April, just played the 'effin slave card. Wow! In a nation which is just now coming out of the longest economic slump since the Great Depression (which saw us shed 8 million jobs and increase the number of American's living in poverty from 39.8 to 43.6 million people) this obese beast had the gall to refer to him self as potential "slave." All for playing a silly game sixteen sundays a year.

If Albert Haynesworth had any "backbone" he'd return the money to Snyder and apologize to the better part of the world's population whose hard work and intelligence he insults everytime he opens his mouth.

Captain America

Posted by Sean Doyle, September 7, 2010.

Image Courtesy of Hoops Wallpapers.

With King James' once solid reputation mired in "South Beach" and Melo tweeting his way towards the same dismal approval ratings, the Hoop world is in desperate need of a new hero. Enter Durantula! Kevin Durant, the 6'9 forward out of Oklahoma City has emerged as the face of USA basketball, and the future of the NBA.

Omar Flies Coach, Gets Heckled. There Is A God.

Posted by Sean Doyle, September 5, 2010.

Image Courtesy of TheRopolitans.com.

According to Deadspin, embattled Mets GM Omar Minaya was heckled on a Chicago bound Jetblue flight the other day. Minaya is the man I often refer to as "The Architect" for his deft handling of everything New York Metropolitans. I mean, after six years and almost a billion dollars spent (that's billion folks) he has exactly one playoff appearance under his belt. His (Minaya's) impressive resume includes destroying the Mets' once healthy farm system by placing utterly incompetent Tony "Little Napoleon" Bernazard in charge.... signing Oliver Perez to a 3 year $36 million dollar deal during the depths of the great recession when A) Not a single team in baseball would have given Perez a one year $10 million deal so they were bidding against themselves and B) Perez had up to that point (and since) a completely mediocre career and in no way was worth half that money...."The Architect" also gets kudos for accusing respected NY Daily News reporter Adam Rubin of burying Tony Bernazard (not because Bernazard was and is a low level thug but) because the Mets would not give Rubin a job!! Minaya performed this paranoid ramble while completely bungling the English language. Watch the hilarity below:

But back to the issue at hand. Here is a photo of "The Arhitect" on the Jetblue flight. Let's hope he got some peanuts to go along with those heckles.....

Here's some linkage:

Deadspin: Omar Flies Coach, Gets Heckled.

MVP Gotham: Omar Minaya Knows Time Is Ending.

Super Nova & The Falling Star

Posted by Sean Doyle, August 30, 2010

SUPER NOVA

Photo Courtesy of Frank Polich/Reuters

Yesterday, the Yanks beat the Chi-Sox in a brutal Second City heat. This veteran New York squad, so beset by injuries, looked to a youngster with approximately 0 career wins to lead them to victory. And lead them, Ivan Nova did. Nova pitched 5 and 2/3 innings of stellar one run ball back by 7 strikeouts and only one walk. This line was good enough to earn the rookie his first big show win and perhaps more importantly the high praise of his manager Joe Girardi "We're asking a young man to step up and that's exactly what he's doing," said Girardi after the game.

Look, the Bombers needed a spark and Nova provided a flame. I'm not fitting the kid for a Cooperstown Plaque but we needed this stiff kick in the ass. With Burnnett and Vazquez roaming blindly in the pitcher's wilderness, fresh arms are needed in the Bronx asap.

As one man starts the road to glory, another man takes a tragic fall....

THE FALLING STAR

Photo Courtesy of Doug Mills/ The New York Times

One day after Nova blinded the Chi-Sox with his Super Nova heat, a man known as The Rocket ambled into a DC courthouse, his legend fizzling all the way. Roger Clemens, a man of 354 career victories, 4,672 strikeouts, 7 Cy Young awards, 11 All Star nods, and 2 World Championships, a man known as The Rocket for his blistering fastball, that man looked a lumpy shell of his former self in our nation's capital today. Clemens was there to plead not guilty to felony charges of lying to a Congressional committee.

It's funny how life works. Five years ago, Nova was a skinny 18 year old kid living in the D.R. getting ready to navigate the minor leagues. Ivan Nova was then a name unknown to the world. On the other hand, Roger Clemens as a larger than life icon considered by many to be the greatest pitcher of all time, was a household name. Five years later as one man looks to the future with bright prospects, another man fights a losing battle to save his fading past.

Roger Clemens 2057 - watch more funny videos

Wednesday's Whips Vol. VI

Posted by Sean Doyle, August 26, 2010

(David Lee and Derrick Rose discussing the 2016 free agent class and the possibility of teaming up on the Brooklyn Nyets...)

As the Summer of 2010 winds down, it's time we look back. Superteams were formed, superstars were made, legends walked away and icons passed on. A King abdicated his Clevelandic throne and took his "talents to South Beach." A pair of Old Mariners, Sweet Lou and Junior Griffey both ended their hall of fame careers mid-season. Brett Favre retired, returned, retired, returned, retired, and then almost took his talents to south beach before returning yet again. Brock Lesnar returned from near-death to retain his dominance over the UFC heavyweight division by outlasting Shane Carwin. The Los Angeles sun is now setting on "Mannywood" as that bad bum b-movie comes to it's inevitable end.

Just wondering?

How much money would a Mike Tyson-Kimbo Slice fight in the UFC make on pay-per-view? Yes, I know, it would be a garbage bout between a former legend and an overhyped street brawler, the ol' has-been vs. never-will-be scenario. But selling PPV buys is all about selling hype and drama. And this fight would have more hype than a Strasburg start in D.C.

It's Still Giants Stadium, After All....

Posted by Sean Doyle, August 23, 2010

After all the bluster and hyperbole, the heavy hits and "hard knocks", the new ball park in the swamp is still Giants Stadium. The media crowned this useless preseason game (scrimmage really) a battle for "stadium supremacy" between the supposedly fading NY Giants and the way-over-hyped NY Jets. But it was behind the light touches that we got to see a sneak peek of what the 2010-11 season may bring for these two tri-state titans.

And we did we see exactly?

Giants 31, Jets 16

I know, I know, the NFL preseason is about as useless as Isiah Thomas at the trade deadline. But in the first football played in the New Meadowlands Park it was trusty old Big Blue who stomped out the faux-sexy Green Machine. Old Coliseums crumble and new epics arise but in Jersey swampland some things just never change.....

Photo by Sean Doyle

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Sean Doyle, August 6, 2010

Can it be?

The worst GM in the history of professional sports, the man who single handedly de-valued the NBA's flagship franchise in five nightmarish years is now back in the New York Knickerbocker fold?

Can it effin' be???

The man who committed $100 Million dollars to Jerome James and Eddy Curry to create the stinkiest (and laziest) center tandem in the Association's history, is walking back in the very Garden he so foolishly fowled? Let me just get this clear in my head, Isiah Lord Thomas, the dude whom, when he wasn't sexually harassing Anucha Brown Sanders, was getting into fist fights with Quentin "Donuts are the only thing I'm Dunking" Richardson?

That dude!?!?!
That dude is coming back to the greatest stage in pro sports as a trusted member of Boss Dolan's inner circle?

Only in New York, I guess.

By the way, here is one of "Zeke's" best quotes during his tenure as Knicks' boss:

"Bitch, I don't give a fuck about these white people," said Isiah Thomas to Anucha Brown Sanders. (In reference to the long suffering Knicks fan base whom he tortured with his piss-poor variation of general managing...)

Photo by Sean Doyle

- He also made us watch Renaldo Balkman shoot free throws. For that offense alone, he should be forever banished to the Phantom Zone (The one from Supergirl.)* But I digress...

Grumpy Old Men...

Posted by Sean Doyle, August 6, 2010.

Graphic by Sean & Colin Doyle.

Finally, the National Football League!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since the inception of this blog last March we have had little in the way of pigskin prose due primarily to the lack of Football being played. But now, with the 2010-11 NFL Season upon us, the Dummys here get to turn their ever lazy eyes upon the gridiron. Now with that airy bit of bull shizzle behind us, here are our picks for 10-11 in the AFC.

AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens 11-5

Cincinnati Bengals 10-6

Pittsburgh Steelers 7-9

Cleveland Browns 6-10

AFC South:

Indianapolis Colts 13-3

Houston Texans 10-6

Tennessee Titans 8-8

Jacksonville Jaguars 4-12

AFC East:

New England Patriots 11-5

New York Jets 9-7

Miami Dolphins 6-10

Buffalo Bills 3-13

AFC West:

San Diego Chargers 12-4

Denver Broncos 8-8

Kansas City Chiefs 6-10

Oakland Raiders 4-12

Next time we'll lay out our picks for the NFC....

Stereotype Reinforced: The Mets Fan As Fall Down Drunk...

Posted by Sean Doyle, August 2, 2010.

A picture is worth a thousand slurred words.....

Hell Yeah, Gallo!!!!

Posted by Sean Doyle, July 22, 2010.

"I think that if people don't consider me a good player, they're stupid!" said Danilo Gallinari to Newsday.

For the life of me I don't understand why with all the media chirping about the baron nature and god-awful mediocrity of the Knicks roster that rarely was Danillio Galinari's name brought up in a positive way (Or in any way at all for that matter.) This past year, his first full NBA season, Gallo averaged 15 points, 5 boards, and 2 assists per game, shooting around 40% from beyond the arc and posting a 14.8 PER. Hey, this isn't Larry Bird Territory but it's not bad either. He plays a physical game (often lacking in European players for which fundamentals and finesse is emphasized) and is getting stronger by the day. Is it really that unrealistic to expect to see Gallo post a 17 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg, line with an 18 PER for the upcoming season? I think not.

MJ SAYS KOBE BETTER THAN LEBRON...

Posted by Sean Doyle, July 14, 2010.

R.I.P

Posted by Colin Doyle, July 14, 2010.

Image by Colin Doyle

Let's make this a national holiday. For the timely demise of this mindless noise machine is cause for eternal celebration.

THE BOSS, 1930-2010.

Posted by Sean Doyle, July 13, 2010.

Photo Courtesy of Dan Farrell/ The NY Daily News.

He was born on the Fourth of July and died on the morning of the Midsummer Classic. Big George always had a great sense of theatre and uncanny timing.

In 1973, when the Yankees were a fading franchise, a pudgy, largely unknown Ohio-bred shipping magnate named George M. Steinbrenner purchased the team from CBS for $10 Million dollars (Of which, he personally put in around 200 K!) . It turned out to be one of the great purchases in business history.

In his 37 years of ownership, "The Boss" won 11 A.L. Pennants and 7 World Series Championships. He was hated and loved throughout the sporting world.

As a lifelong Yankee fan I must say that I've enjoyed the fruits of George's rabid competitive spirit.

Links:

Mike Lupica, NY Daily News: "George Steinbrenner Steals The Headlines One Last Time..."

Megan McArdle, The Atlantic: "George Steinbrenner, Strategic To The Last."

Ian O'Connor, ESPN New York: "The Boss' Legacy Bigger Than The Babe's."

Buster Olney, ESPN Magazine: "Hard Driving Boss Made A Huge Impact."

Christine Brennan, USA Today: "Steinbrenner's Influence Was Gold To US Olympic Efforts."

George Steinbrenner statement from the Clintons

A joint statement from Bill and Hillary Clinton:

The passing of George Steinbrenner marks the end of an era. Baseball has lost a giant, New York has lost a champion, and we have lost a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Steinbrenner family today and with all the friends, colleagues, and fans who loved The Boss.

George was a fierce competitor who was the perfect fit for the city that never sleeps -- colorful, dynamic and always aiming higher. His Yankees brought home seven World Series championships and provided inspiration and entertainment to people in New York and around the world. He was a generous friend and supporter of the community. And after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, when New York needed it most, George and the Yankees helped lift our battered spirits. He was born on the Fourth of July and loved his country even more than his team.

We were delighted to host George and the team at the White House in 1999 to celebrate one of their many World Series victories, and privileged to call him our friend. The man behind the myth was generous, loyal and always passionate. On that day at the White House, as we walked out on the South Lawn together and the band struck up "Hail to the Chief," Bill playfully reminded George, "Don't get any ideas, it's not for you." But George always had his own song. They say that if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere, and nobody knew that as well as George Steinbrenner. He will be sorely missed.

More coverage:

• Steinbrenner’s obsession
• Biography

George Steinbrenner was the head of a group that purchased the New York Yankees in 1973. The team won 11 pennants and seven World Series titles under his ownership. Steinbrenner died Tuesday at age 80 from a heart attack.

PAT RILEY IS STILL THE KING.

Posted by Sean Doyle, July 9 ,2010.

Image Courtesy of Gentleman's Quarterly.

No matter where you come down on the LeBron to Miami saga (and chances are you hate it) you can't help but admire the brash genius of Pat Riley. Long propped as the ultimate deal closer in the Association's history, Pat may have just spearheaded a b-ball revolution in South Florida, a new world order of hoopshype that could dwarf even his Showtime Lakers! He's already led the Heat to 2006 NBA title with a paper thin roster (excluding Wade and an older Shaq) and now he may have built basketball's greatest juggernaut.

Photo by Heather Jacobsen.

The man with the golden touch...