Death of a wrestling icon

Randy "The Macho Man" Savage passed away in a car accident a week ago.  He was 58 years old.  I know I am a little late talking about this but I wanted to do it anyway.  Who will ever forget his epic battles with Hogan, Ricky Steamboat and many others.  Savage was as charismatic an entertainer as there was in the WWF and he brought smiles to people everywhere.  He always had some sort of wild outfit on and would captivate fans with his words and dazzling display of aerial moves.  He had Miss Elizabeth on his arm as he made his entrance to the ring and many men were envious of him for that.  Virtually everyone you talk to knows where the phrase "Oohh Yeah" comes from and I know, for a fact, that I will continue to snap into Slim Jim because of The Macho Man.  Wrestling lost a legend last week and my condolences go out to the Savage/Poffo family.  Rest in peace brother.  May you still give elbow drops from that turnbuckle in the sky.

Dirk Nowitzki

The Dallas Mavericks have advanced to NBA finals.  I am still not watching the games and am only catching up on highlights on Sportscenter.  However, people are just now seeing the Dirk Nowitzki that I have seen for the past 7 or 8 years.  He is my favorite player to use on video games for crying out loud.  He is as dynamic a player as there is in the league.  He can post you up, take you off the dribble or flat out shoot over you (he is a 7 footer).  I have heard all the people jumping on the Dirk bandwagon recently, rightfully so, but this is not a new Dirk you are seeing.  This is the same guy who has been doing it since he entered the league.  His supporting cast is playing great basketball (from what I can tell) and that is what you need to advance as far as the Mavs have.  Ask Lebron about his supporting cast in Cleveland.  He will tell you that if they don't contribute, they can't win.  The same goes for Dirk and the Mavs.  His guys are playing well enough to keep them in control and when they need a big shot, they look to their super star, and he delivers.  Dirk has the uncanny ability to get his shot off whenever he wants.  His go to move is a fade away jumper off one foot.  This is something he relentlessly practices and it is as unguardable as Kareems hookshot.  He will have the ball often in crunch time and if his teammates can play well enough to keep the game close, I like his chances.  Simply put, Dirk Nowitzki is the ultimate finisher.

Lakeshow JOKE!

On Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks swept the Lakers out of the playoffs and they didn't take it too well.  Lamar Odom took a shot at Dirk Nowitzki to earn an ejection while Dirk was trying to set a screen.  I don't have a problem with a hard foul at the beginning or in the middle of the game to attempt to set the tone.  However, late in the game, after it has been decided is classless.  Odom's foul came with 9:06 to play in the 4th quarter and his team down 26.  Less than a minute later, Andrew Bynum (7'0", 285 pounds) hammered J.J. Barea (6'0", 175 pounds) in the ribs with an elbow as Barea drove to the basket.  He was ejected as well and to show how classy he is, took off his jersey as he left the court. What Bynum did was disgusting and has no business in the NBA.  This is the same Laker team that is (was) the defending champion!  The true essence of a team is defined by how they handle winning AND losing.  The Lakers handled winning quite well but when faced with adversity, they folded up like a tent and resorted to violence on the court.  The end of an era is upon them and both Odom and Bynum should be suspended for games next year.

I know that many people will compare Kobe to Jordan by the amount of games and rings each has won but a Michael Jordan team would never, ever act like the Lakers did.  Jordan had control over his guys and they would never waiver.  To Kobe's credit, he acted like an adult and took to the beating the Mavericks were putting on them like a man, as did many other Lakers.  Some times the other team is just better than you and rather than cry about it, he showed class.  Are the Clippers now the best show in town?  Time will tell.

Things I love in Sports

As you get older and a little wiser, you realize some of the things that make you love and appreciate sporting and athletic events.  It's not the game as a whole but the little things that make them special.  Here are some of the things I love in sports.

1.  The tomahawk chop and war chant at Florida State football games.

1a.  Playoff beards.

2.  Walk off home runs - The mob scene at home plate is priceless (unless your team is on the wrong end).

3.  The NFL draft - With new players comes new hope.  As a Lions fan, I have been hoping a long time.  We need you to stay healthy Matthew Stafford!

4.  Selection Sunday for the NCAA Tournament - It can be nerve wracking waiting to see where your team ends up.  But it is a great feeling hearing their name called.

5.  "One Shining Moment" after the National Championship game

6.  The handshake lines after an NHL playoff series concludes - It is the greatest tradition in professional sports (in my opinion).

7.  The 7th inning stretch at Wrigley Field - I had an opportunity to participate in the festivities and it is spectacular.

8.  Tailgating on football Saturdays.

9.  The bicycle kick - The skill level it takes to complete this move is unbelievable (ask Wayne Rooney).

10.  The sound of a driver hitting a golf ball - Looking up and seeing the ball headed right down the middle of the fairway is empowering.  Any day on the golf course is a good day!

10a.  The sound the net makes as a basketball goes through it without touching any rim - Rip city!

11.  Before the 4th quarter at Wisconsin home football games they sing "Jump Around" by House of Pain.  They literally get the whole stadium shaking.  It is an awesome sight.

12.  Rock Chalk Jayhawk.

13.  Singing Rocky Top at a Tennessee Volunteers football game.

14.  The Ryder Cup, The World Cup and the Olympics.  (self-explanatory)

15.  Over-Time game winners in the NHL playoffs - the excitement that ensues is shear pandemonium.

There are so many little things that can make you love sporting events and athletics.  What are your favorites?

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin won the Rookie of the Year award in the NBA.  I am not sure anyone didn't see that coming.  However, what they didn't see coming was Norm Macdonald crashing the presentation of the award by securing a press pass.  Blake Griffin was giving his acceptance speech and afterwards they opened it up for questions from the media.  Norm Macdonald gets a hold of the microphone and says, "There is kind of a curse with the rookie of the year award as no one has ever repeated it."  Blake Griffin handled it with a big smile saying that he had never thought of it before and he would try harder next year.  Hilarious!

The NBA needs more guys like him.  He is soft-spoken, intelligent and lets his game do the talking for him.  He routinely dunks on people and does things while in the air that are almost unfathomable.  He doesn't pound his chest, flex his muscles or run his mouth after a jaw dropping play.  The next time the NBA and ESPN decide to air a "decision", make sure it involves Blake Griffin.

Things I learned this weekend

It is the time of year when many different sporting events are all taking place.  The NBA and NHL playoffs are in the second round.  The NFL draft took place and baseball season is underway.  There are golf tournaments and many people getting out on the course for the first time. A few things came to light this weekend and here is what I learned.

1. Osama Bin Laden has finally been snuffed out after 10 long years!  USA USA!

2.  The Detroit Red Wings are in trouble.  I know they lost a couple of 1-goal games but they are being out shot and out hit.  The only effective line the Wings have is the one with Pavel Datsyuk.  Jimmy Howard has kept them in both games with his stellar goal tending but he needs some sustained offensive pressure to give him a break.  They can turn it around and I fully expect them to however, it won't be easy.  A series doesn't really begin until someone wins a road game.

3.  The Detroit Tigers aren't very good.  They sweep the Chicago White Sox at home and then follow that up by getting swept by the Mariners (who are terrible) and the Indians.  Maybe it is time for a managerial change to inject some excitement into this team.

4.  The Detroit Lions aren't messing around on defense any more.  By drafting Nick Fairley, they basically took the run game away from every team they play (assuming they play).  They needed help at the corner back position but Fairley was still there at 13 and they had to take him.  Later they drafted a speedy wide receiver (Titus Young) to fill the slot position and a big running back (Mikel Leshoure) to provide a change of pace from Jahvid Best.  Maybe they can be in the running for a free agent corner to fill the need.  Nnamdi Asomugha, if you read this, the Lion Nation would LOVE to have you!

5.  Bubba Watson hit a 6-iron from 257 yards on the 2nd playoff hole of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.  It did come up a bit short but still, A 6-IRON!  I think about what club I would hit from there and I am not sure I have one in my bag.

6.  If you get a chance to play a true mountain golf course, do it.  You may be frustrated with how you played, but the stunning views will more than make up for it.

7.  If the first ball you hit on the driving range is a shank, it will be a long day on the course.

8.  I really don't care to watch the NBA playoffs.  I would much rather watch the NHL.  The guys are tough and they don't showboat.  No three goggles, no chest pounding, no crying when you don't get a call.

It was a busy weekend for sports and every week something new presents itself.  What did you learn?