Weekend Update- Sweaty College Guys!

NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship

Syracuse Orangemen 12, Virginia Cavaliers 11

Syracuse came back from a 5 goal deficit to beat Virginia; a season high for the Orangemen. It took 2 overtimes to settle the score; when Syacuse's Mike Leveille scored his fifth goal of the game, with 2:17 to go in the second overtime. Leveille, who also had two assists. Young goalie John Galloway made nine saves, and Matt Abbott scored his first career hat trick for Syracuse; when it mattered the most.

Johns Hopkin's Blue Jays 10, Duke Blue Devils 9

Johns Hopkins finished off Duke today in the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years; officially ending the career of many Duke players on the field given eligibility after the tainted stripper scandal. Blue Jay's Kevin Huntley scored four goals. Hopkins executed it's best game plan against the Devils slowing the game down and winning turnovers. It worked: Duke gave up many unforced turnovers and shot just 21 percent (the Blue Devils average close to 34 percent.)

Both Syracuse and John's Hopkins will each play tomorrow in the Championship Finals trying to earn the 10th NCAA title for each of these esteemed programs.

Stanley Is A Lord With The Ladies

apparently there are a ton of women; including celebs ( Lohan, Hayden Penittere) that dig the Stanley cup...not the actual games; The large silver trophy cup itself. You realize that is why among men the trophy is called "Lord Stanley"...

Stanley Cup Playoffs
Game 1- Detroit Penguins vs. Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are trying to win their fourth Stanley Cup since 1997; Pittsburgh hasn't been to a Stanley Cup Playoff since 1992. The Red Wings are the proud and experienced franchise heading into tonight while the Penguins hold the youngest roster in the NHL. Negating this is the fact both teams easily won their own conference Championships.

Depth should be a non factor for either of these teams, who both rely consistently on strong bench players. The Penguins will rely on Max Talbot primarily; while Detroit mostly inserts Johan Franzen, are slightly more advantaged in terms of bench talent.

Tonight's game, and the entire series; will come down to defense, of which again Detroit maintains an advantage. The Wings will start the series with a huge edge on the back end. Lidstrom, Kronwall and Rafalski.

"the production from the back end drops off pretty quickly with Whitney (six points) and Rob Scuderi (three). That's a mismatch the Penguins will have to compensate for with more scoring from their forwards or exceptional team defense that takes away the Red Wings' threat from the back end."

In the end; it seems the youth of the Penguins have acquires this feel no pressure, 'ignorance is bliss' ,run and gun mentality that is incredibly dangerous for the Wings to try to anticipate or contain.

Photos and more of the courtesy of [TheWorldofIssac]

Morning Glories- Even They Sleep In Sometimes!!!

NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals

LA Lakers 107, San Antonio Spurs 71

Last night was an absolute rout- San Antonio looking lazy and defeated as the Lakers walked all over them remaining unbeaten at home in post season play. Kobe Bryant scored 22 points, Lamar Odom added 20 points and 12 rebounds to give the Lakers a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals. Games 3 and 4 will be played in San Antonio and Spurs are 6-0 in the postseason on their home turf. San Antonio and have won 20 of their last 22 games at home will hopefully give them some confidence. The key to the Lakers win yet again was the ability to contain Tony Parker and shut DOWN Manu Ginobili. Tony Parker finished with 13 points and four assists. Manu Ginobili shot a terrible 2-for-8 and scoring seven points.

"We're confident we're a very good home team, but you hate to put yourself in a position where you're down 0-2," said Spurs star Tim Duncan, who had 12 points and 16 rebounds. "One of two things is going to happen -- either we're going to turn it around and make this thing into a series or we're not. We are going to go home and try and change the tide of it."

NCAA Mens Lacrosse Championship Semi Finals

Virginia Cavaliers v. Syarcuse Orangemen- Game 1

John's Hopkins Blue Jays v. Duke Blue Devils- Game 2

Today is the final four of Men's Lacrosse and all four teams are perennial powerhouses. Game 1 look for high scoring, both teams rely on inexperienced goalies. Syracuse cannot afford to foul the nations best extra man offense in Virginia. Virginia has been battle tested, squeaking through their games this Championship tournament; Virginia struggling with their fast break offense.

Game 2 is a rematch of last years Championship finals and the 2005 Championship finals- both victories for the Hopkins Blue Jay's. This year however Duke is the team that is more heavily favored; with the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility to those who sat out their senior season on the famous rape case punishment. So the Devil are LOADED with experience and hungry fifth year seniors who have experienced two missed championship opportunities at the hands of the Blue Jays. Duke's biggest weapon is it's defense with friend Tony McDevitt leading the way. Hopkins needs to win the turnover battle and convert those rare turnovers made by Duke into points in 0rder to have any chance of winning.

Men's Gymnastics

American Olympic Gold Medalist Paul Hamm will miss the 2008 Olympic Trials; with a broken bone in his right hand requiring four weeks of recovery. His hope of making it to the 2008 Bejing games is to file a petition to allow him a spot on the American roster. Hamm is able to petition to the team because he was a member of the 2004 squad. Hamm is the only American man to win the all-around title at the world championships in 2003 and Olympics in 2004. Hamm is able to petition directly onto the Olympic team because he was part of the 2004 squad that won the silver, the Americans' first Olympic medal in 20 years. Hamm also won the all-around gold in 2004 in Athens and a silver on high bar. With so many accolades and such history of being competitive and dominant on a world stage representing America- I'd say if the US wants a little gold in Bejing they better vote a 'yay'.

MLB Insights- Mike Piazza Happy Trails

Fox Sports as a traditional media source is NEVER known to exaggerate or dramatize headlines to attract viewers. However this week despite the fact we are not even at the midpoint of the MLB season; Tracy Ringolsby let it be known that "The NL West Imploded", and of course let us know why.

Tracy sites the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies poor records as evidence that the entire division has gone to shit. Sure, the Padres with three key starters ( catcher Jason Bard, pitcher Chris Young, and Cy Young winner Jason Peavy) have lost 12 of the past 17. The Rockies are mediocre 3rd place team. These squads were the two teams who battled in last year's wild-card tiebreaker that was one of the most exciting series in history.

Ok so now these two former fighting teams are having a down year. But what about all the great buzz about the NL west first place Arizona Diamondbacks- In the form of Brandon Webb?

"The legitimacy of Arizona is about to be determined. As good as Arizona has been, don't overlook the fact that it has played more games within its division than any team in baseball, with a 20-5 record against the mess that is the rest of the NL West. What's more, the Diamondbacks and Cubs have played 27 home games apiece, the most in baseball, and Arizona has done what good teams do — dominate at home (19-8). The Diamondbacks, however, lost 12 of their first 20 games outside the division, and split their first 18 games on the road.The next six weeks will be a telling time in Arizona."

That's right, the next 6 weeks; that's like a million baseball games from how. You can argue the Diamondbacks will be tested in the future; but if your placing the legitimacy of the entire division based on the records as they stand right now, and in comparison to last season...then I wouldn't rush to any assessments.

"What Arizona has going for it is a formidable 1-2 punch in its rotation with Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. So far, the D-backs have gotten strong support from the rest of the rotation, but question marks still hang over the aging Randy Johnson.."

and last I heard Randy is 4-1 for AZ and is only 13 wins shy of a career 300 victory. Yeah he sounds like a question mark thusfar.

Tracy also mentions the LA Dodgers- which in her defense truly seem to be fragile despite ranking 2nd in the west. LA's pitching starters are 11-18 so far this season which is cause for concern because LA prides itself in its pitching. Another TRUE concern that Tracy does note is that LA is not getting it's moneys worth " This is a team that has $49.4 million tied up in its projected five-man rotation ".

Tracy gives little to NO sympathy for the San Fransisco Giants in it's first year without it's home run record setting, steroid using, lying to federal investigators- The man, the myth, the legend Barry Bonds. Her major argument is the block up of Bond's era overpaid under performers Ray Durham, Dave Roberts, Randy Winn and Barry Zito; has resulted in a lack of fresh players and firepower for the Giants, who are 3rd in the division.

Now in the Giants defense, in his career there; Bonds was the face and leader of the franchise, and his loss makes this year a rebuilding and redefining one for the Giants.

Tracy drives her point home so to speak with her closing

"It all adds up to a division of disappointment.
The NL West is not baseball's best.
It might well turn out to be the worst."

Now while this article addresses major flaws and issues regarding these NL West teams; alot of teams in the MLB, especially those in the bottom of their conferences ( ehem, the New York Yankees) are facing issues. Does that quantify a sweeping statement as the whole division is garbage? I think it could be possible, but premature- ESPECIALLY in regards to the Diamondbacks. But the Dodgers could prove Ringolsby wrong if all those injuries they have heal quickly.

Earlier this week currently a catcher for Oakland; 38 year old Mike Piazza; quietly announced his retirement. A quiet exit after 16 years for a far from quiet player and individual.
"After discussing my options with my wife, family and agent, I felt it was time to start a new chapter in my life," he said in a statement released Tuesday by his agent, Dan Lozano. "It has been an amazing journey ... So today, I walk away with no regrets. I knew this day was coming and over the last two years. I started to make my peace with it. I gave it my all and left everything on the field."

Mike is the greatest hitting catcher in the history of the game. Piazza finished with a .308 career average, 427 home runs and 1,335 RBIs for the Dodgers (1992-98), Florida (1998), Mets (1998-05), San Diego (2006) and Oakland (2007).

"He was one of those hitters who could change the game with one swing. He was certainly the greatest-hitting catcher of our time, and arguably of all time," said Atlanta pitcher Tom Glavine, Piazza's former teammate on the New York Mets.

"It's the end of a Hall of Fame career," Mets manager Willie Randolph said. "It was a privilege to manage him for the short time that I did."

To reiterate Wille Randolph- Mike Piazza is destined if not guaranteed a spot in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Now much of the Blogosphere mocks Piazza as one of the gay-est strait men in existence, so to give you a little background on Piazza other than those impressive career stats: [JoeSportsFan]

Navigating the Bermuda Triangle that is the Blogosphere

Dallas Maverick's owner and "Dancing with the Stars" alum Mark Cuban admits to socially smoking marijuana- finally answering the question 'What the hell is that guy on'. [FanHouse]

PGA golfer Phil Mickelson is also getting that Hollywood buzz; only he's planning on making his debut on a much more respectable program ( no offense Flava Flav and 'Under One Roof'), Entourage. [WithLeather]

ND Coach Charlie Weis with a gun. Yeah I know finishing the 2007 season 3-9 was horrendous; and your arguably the most overrated coaches in NCAA D1 Football ( Rich Rodriguez, Nick Saban, Bobby Petrino your lucky I'm not mentioning you..oh,whoops). Yeah your gastric bypass surgery was botched and you look like you ate your recruits that transfered or left last season...but it's not that bad? right....? [TheSportingNews]

Joining my vote for the NFL 17th game addition- too bad no one cares what we think! [YardBreaker]

Wait sexism against women working in Sports media? Wow, I can't BELIEVE it. [Deadspin]

Heidi and Spencer of MTV's 'The Hills' at a Dodger Game; please stop destroying what little decency our society has left? please? [The Superficial]

The Keria Sedgwick Invitational- Kickin Off The Weekend Right

NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals

San Antonio Spurs vs. LA Lakers

The Spurs are an experienced and well coached team; so you can count on them not dwelling on the series opening loss to the Lakers.

"They’re up 1-0. The important thing for us is to not let the game linger,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said at the team’s hotel in suburban Santa Monica

"'They’ll make adjustments, they know what to do. They have a lot of weapons,'” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. 'They’re here to win one.' Kobe Bryant said much the same thing. 'They’ve been through so many battles,' he said. 'They’re going to keep coming. I don’t expect Game 1 lingering into Game 2. They’ll be ready to go.'"

The Spur's biggest problem WILL be and continue to be Kobe Bryant. He has put the Lakers on his back and carried them to victory more times that one can count- Game 1 being example A. Kobe led the Lakers back from twenty down to victory.Bruce Bowen of San Antonio was primarily responsible for Kobe, but was only able to contain him for the first have of Game 1- they will need to put more pressure on the newly crowned MVP for all four quarters.

Lakers Pau Gasol marked Tim Duncan 1 on 1 in Game 1; and the advantage went to San Antonio. Duncan was proficient inside getting easy layin's under the basket. If the Lakers stick with this defensive matchup and strategy- the Spurs should go to Duncan early and often.

“We’re down one game, that’s all,” said Tim Duncan, who had 30 points, 18 rebounds and four blocked shots in a losing cause. “Our goal is to get to four (wins). A lot of credit goes to them. Obviously, they played excellent. They came back at us. Kobe (Bryant) took it over.”

Now what stuck out most during Game 1 which was unfortunate for the Spurs was Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Matched with Vladamir Radmanovic's who was 5-for-5 shooting in the opening game compared to Ginobili who went 3-13. Ginobili was the offensive spark that led the Spurs to victory in their semi final series verses New Orleans; and he needs to get that hot hand back.

"Ginobili took responsibility for his below-par performance. 'I wasn’t ready for that game,' he said. 'Game 7 (Monday night at New Orleans) was big emotionally. I know I wasn’t as aggressive or as smart as I should be.'”

Spurs other outside threat Tony Parker despite having 18 points, was also noticeably restrained by the Laker defense. If the Lakers can contain both Ginobili and Parker as they did in Game 1- the Spurs will be solely reliant on Duncan.

Once again, the home court advantage factor is still with the Lakers; who are 7-0 in the Staples Center this postseason. No team has gone on to win a championship without winning on the road, so both teams will feel the heat to get a win on rival turf.

NFL Update: Dallas Cowboys Are Chatty Cathy's

The Dallas Cowboys are having a very busy off season; a majority of it un-football related. Here's some of the entertaining and almost interesting maneuverings of some of the major players of "America's Team"

Wide receiver Terrell Owens is perfecting his acting skills for when the Cowboys are featured on the HBO series 'Hard Knocks'. T.O made a guest appearance Wednesday on the MyNetwork TV series sitcom 'Under One Roof'; starring the incomparable Flava Flav. The show was recently extended to next Wednesday following T.O.'s apparently dynamic and moving performance as Flav's long-lost brother, Sean.

"On Wednesday, T.O. talked about how he didn't want to be typecast as a comic actor.Asked what type of feedback he'd received from coaches (Wade Phillips is a huge Flav guy) and players, T.O. provided the following answer:'They enjoyed it. I think I surprised a lot of people with my performance. If I wasn't comfortable [in front of a camera], I wouldn't have done it.'"

Now T.O told the press emphatically that he was not interested in participating in a Dancing with the Stars series when he was question; saying he will wait till his wedding to ballroom dance....T.O getting married is like what John McCain has said about Iraq- we'll be waiting 100 years. Reports from ABC say that Terrell was invited to become a contestant but he 'graciously declined'...again Terrell actually being gracious- I will be waiting 100 years.

Owens admits he's caught the Hollywood acting bug according to Hasmarks:

"T.O. said he spent this past weekend at Jamie Foxx's house, and that the Terrell, Texas, native is one of his favorite actors, along with Morris Chestnut (Boyz in the Hood), Denzel Washington, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery and Anthony Hopkins. He said that some of his friends have taken to calling him 'Denzie' in an obvious reference to the aforementioned Washington. 'I'm trying to get there, but I'm plateaus away from where he is.'"

Offers to help prep all the Cowboys for the dramatic acting necessary for 'Hard Knocks' have been floating around, and tight end Jason Witten admits he either wants the help, or the food promised in the newly proposed Dallas Cowboys Cooking Show. Via [AwfulAnnouncing] :

"Call it 'Dancing with the Stars' meets 'Iron Chef.'But in reality, the working title for a new television show scheduled to be filmed in Dallas is 'Cooking with the All Pros.'

Here's the recipe: Grab some Dallas Cowboys. Toss in some contestants. Place them before television cameras and let them cook.Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten has tentatively agreed to approach teammates and former Cowboys standouts to appear on the new reality TV show, which will pair fans with players, and pit them against each other in cooking competitions, according to those involved in planning the show.

'I've done maybe 150 hours of network TV in my lifetime, but it's the first time we've head-on tackled a reality show with stars and contestants with cooking elements," said Barry Mendelson, president and founder of the Mendelson Entertainment Group LLC, which plans to produce the show in Dallas. "It's a blending of a lot of things. That's what TV is today. All these barriers have been broken. There are no boundaries anymore. I find that to be real life.'"

This sounds a little ambitious for most of the Cowboys; other than T.O. I'd probably suggest they take the Tony Romo rout when hitting the TV circuit; landing a role as a celebrity judge in a beauty pageant. I think the Cowboy's background education in women far exceeds they're cooking know how, and may suit them better.

Speaking of Tony Romo; whether or not he is still on speaking terms with Jessica Simpson is up for debate ( Just see today's National Enquirer via [EpicCarnival]). Now he may not be talking about Jess; but he's IS yackin it up about all things regarding his teammate Marion Barber.

"He's a charismatic kid, and he loves football. His energy is at a high level every day. That trickles down to everybody else. It's a positive whenever you can get people excited during a game. It's almost like a sixth man in basketball, where a guy comes in and gives you a spark and the momentum changes."

Tony also spills on the teammate that does the most talking for the 'Boys, T.O himself:

"I think you've seen a change in the guy. A transformation has taken place over the last four or five years. I think it's pretty neat. We're pretty lucky to have it happen here. For whatever reason, I enjoy the guy. He's a good teammate. He really is. He actually cares about each one of us. He cares about his team, and he cares about getting better. The guy is out there working his butt off every day, and he gets a bad rap because you guys just don't get to see him every day."

And Romo finishes off with a little ass kissing for the man that last year gave him a 64 million dollar contract and has basically made Tony Romo the big name, Hollywood headliner, average quarterback he is today: the crazy fearless leader himself, Jerry Jones:

"One of the reasons I'm lucky is to be around an owner like Jerry Jones. I'm not just saying it. The reality of it is the guy wants to win. You feel that, being a part of this organization with Jerry, that he's going to bring in people and sign people and want to improve this football team every year. It allows you to feel like, hey, we have a chance and I have a chance to do some special things around here. I'm just excited about the fact that he consistently wants to win as much as I do."

Tony I think Jerry Jones wants to win period. If he finds someone better than you he WILL buy them regardless of criminal histories ie. Pacman Jones. I would continue to kiss his ass because when Michael Vick get's out of prison you may be standing in the unemployment line for all you know- that guys is a loose cannon.

Anyway- Lot's going on in the land where everything's BIGGER. Nothing really football related but always BIG in terms of headlines and laughs.

"Andrew Hoy, Meet Michael Vick; You Guys May Have A Lot In Common"

Three time Olympic Equestrian Gold Medalist, Andrew Hoy; faced the Olympic disciplinary tribunal on allegations of horse abuse. Hoy trains the Dutch eventer Madeleine Brugman who also appeared before a three-member panel from the sport's governing body. Both deny all the charges

The accusations were regarding Burgman wearing spikes boots when riding horse Sundancer 6; at a warm up event prior to a show jumping phase of an event at Barroca d'Alva, Portugal, in March.

Andrew Hoy has competed for Australia at the last six Olympics. He was apart of the team event gold medals for the Aussies in the the 1992, '96 and 2000 Games. He also won the individual three-day event silver in 2000.

Morning Glories- While The Grill's Are Firing Up!

NBA Playoffs

Detroit Pistons 103, Boston Celtics 97

Pistons's Richard Hamilton did a turnaround for Game 2, putting up 25points. Chauncey Billups, perhaps gaining strength in that strained hamstring; improved from his Game 1 performance with 19 points and seven assists.





"It is even," forward Rasheed Wallace said. "We don't sit back and say, 'Oh, look. They are undefeated at home,' or 'They didn't win a game on the road.' ... A lot of the teams they played in the postseason and the regular season were scared of them, as far as K.G. and Ray and Paul. They are good players, but we have good players, also."

Coming through big for Detroit was the man who has been subbing in and out for Billups during his injury; his rookie Rodney Stuckey who hit clutch jumpers in the fourth quarter and finished with 13 points for the Pistons.Additional contributions by Antonio McDyess 15 points, Tayshaun Prince 14, and Wallace had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons. Against the NBA's best defensive team, the Pistons impressively shot 49%.

The Celts were handed their first home loss since March 24th; they had won 15 in a row in Boston and wer 9-0 post season until last night. Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 13 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 26 points for the Celtics; and Ray Allen despite putting up 25pts fouled out in the 4th quarter at a crucial time for the Celtics.

"I fully believe, and I've said many times, at some point we're going to have to win on the road," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "We've gotten away with it thus far. That's been taken away. And if we want what we want, we have to win on the road and that's just the way it is."

No team has reached the Finals without a road victory, and there's no longer a chance for Boston to be the first. But for now, The Pistons are eager to return to their home floor in the hopes they can get ahead in this conference final series.

"The atmosphere's going to be crazy," Hamilton said. "We're geeked about getting back to our home court. The fans are excited, and now it's our job to take care of home court."

MLB Final Score of Note

Chicago White Sox 3, Cleveland Indians 1

Chicago extended their win streak to 8 last night; the Sox pushed the Indians further back behind them in the AL Central by 4 1/2 games in second place. Last night hero was Carlos Quentin; who broke the tie in the eight inning bringing in the go ahead run last night. Quentin is now starting in the middle of the White Sox lineup after being cast off by Arizona; and wasn't even a solidified starter during spring training due to a nagging shoulder injury. Quentin had two RBI, giving him 40 this season. The Indians for the sixth time in a row are on the losing end yet again; having only scored 13 total runs during this victory drought.

Full Indy 500 Coverage post coming today...GMA had the had Indy winner and Dancing with the Stars champ Helio Castroneves interview Danica Patrick this morning which was nothing short of adorable!!!

oh, And for you Mr. Ian O'Connor, A little more Defense of Danica Patrick courtesy of [TheBigLead]

MLB Insights- Red Sox and Yanks, Never Ends

MLB Final Score

Boston Red Sox 11, Kansas City Royals 8

The Red Sox have won the past 7 games; tonight they won their 10th consecutive home game, four shy of the record of 14 set in 2005. Daisuke Matsuzaka is now a perfect 8-0; tonight giving up three runs on six hits, six walks, struck out 7, and threw 2 wild pitches. After tonight's win, Dice K became the AL's first eight-game winner; Arizona's Brandon Webb holds nine. Matsuzaka became only the second Japanese-born pitcher to start a season 8-0 in the majors.

"I'm very grateful that I've been given the chance to get these wins under these circumstances," Matsuzaka said of the run support through a translator.

Jonathan Papelbon earned the final three outs for his 14th save. Even more impressively; J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell hit two grand slams to help Dice K to remain unbeaten. Drew and Lowell were the first to hit slams in the same game at Fenway since Tony Armas and Bill Buckner did it Aug. 7, 1984.

"Everybody feels like they're doing something for us, and they are," Boston manager Terry Francona said.

New York Yankees pitcher LaTroy Hawkins was suspended for three games and fined $2,000 by the MLB for what was deemed an intentionally reckless thrown pitch at Baltimore's Luke Scott on Tuesday.

"I was a little bit surprised" that Hawkins drew a three-game penalty, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Guys have been throwing inside for a long time. I think you're trying to set a precedent where no one gets hurt badly."

The penalty begins tonight when the Yanks hosted the Orioles. Hawkins is 1-0 with his first season with the Yankees, He has not hit a batter in 21 innings.

NFL Update: Unhappy Rich Men Are Boring But Nonetheless Relevant

NFL comissioner Roger Goodell has probably not had the best week ever since the NFL annual spring meetings with owners coaches and unions began Wednesday in Atlanta; in fact he is the man of the hour and his seat is probably currently hotter than anyone I can think of.

Now some measured on the docet have been relatively easlily discussed; selecting Indy as the host city for SuperBown XLIV, and the idea of restricting the amount of hair players can keep outside their helmets ( unlikely any formal resolution or action with punishable consequences will be made.)

However Goodell has run into some road blocks particularly with the The Collective Bargaining Agreement. NFL owners voted against the current CBA on Tuesday morning. That would put the NFL on pace for a work stoppage in three years. Subequently teams like Atlanta and Dallas have rebelled during the chaos:

"Dallas signed two players (cornerback Terrence Newman and running back Marion Barber) to contract extensions totaling $95 million with $38.5 million guaranteed. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan also inked the most lucrative rookie contract in league history. But such spending also doesn't generate public sympathy for the NFL or its players union. The two sides already are squabbling about how to divide billions of dollars in revenues. "

Ok so obviously the labor aggrements aren't working; and apparently Mr. Goodell is supposed to magically fix everything.But all parties do have common goals and Both sides have tried to remind fans that football will be played for the next three seasons without interruption.


But this opt out and the pressure it has created is already having reprecussions felt particulary by the newest inductees into the NFL, this year's draftee's

"Three of the top five draft picks that remain unsigned — Chris Long (St. Louis), Darren McFadden (Oakland) and Glenn Dorsey (Kansas City) — face a more complicated contract negotiation under new CBA rules. Some members of the 2009 free-agent class also may seek one-year deals in hopes the NFL is forced into an uncapped season in 2010.To avoid future headaches, Upshaw said he expects some franchises to offer talented young players multiyear extensions long before their current deals expire.

"The teams that act wisely will start acting wisely sooner," he said. "They will lock their players up. They don't want to lose them. They don't know what's going to happen either. But at the end of the day, the players are going to get what they deserve."

Yeah welcome to the NFL boys! But as of right now, Goodell is in a bind as to the (Heaven forbid) the great riots ahead without an NFL season that would occur in 2011.

But now somthing being discussed that could be great for fans; Goodell and the owners are discussing adding a 17th regular season game. This propisition stemms from the fan lack of interest in preseason game ( which are in all honesty beneficial for teams but stupid and unentertaining for fans). The plan is to eliminate one preseason game, keeping 3; and then upgrading that game into the regular season, making the regular season games a total of 17. Now with an odd number of games in the season; the conferences both AFC and NFC would organize and orchestrate alternating the seasons it's teams would host 9 home games and 8 home games.

"The move could also have the added benefit of increasing league revenues, which might make it easier for players and owners to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. "

As a fan I say this is great, and if a lil 17th game can help reach a labor aggrement then what is there not to like about it. Anyway, I HATE talking about this stuff: A. because it's confusing B. because most of this labor contract deal stuff is milionaires squabbling about how many more millions they are entitled too- it's excessive and rediculous. C. it has nothing to do with the actual game, which is what I LOVE. I don't care how you do it Mr. Goodell just get everyone on the field playing in August and you're all right with me. May the force be with you.

If you're falling asleep after all this- lets give you a little humor from the Blogosphere regarding the NFL Annual Spring Meeting:

[YardBreaker]

[KissingSuzyKolber] round 1

[SportsFrog]

[KissingSuzyKolber] round 2

MLB Musings- Drama Of The Day

25 year old Justin Hayes of Cumming, Ga fell to his death last night at the Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets at Turner Field in Atlanta. Alcohol WAS a factor for the man who fell down the stairwell and suffered head injuries Wednesday night. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Justin fell about 150 feet from the club level to the landing on the field level during the eighth inning. The Braves, like a responsible organization released a statement today expressing sympathy for Hayes' family and sending prayers:

"The Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Police Department are investigating the tragic accident that resulted in the death of a 25-year old male fan at last night's game," the statement said. "Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to his family."

This was the first non the first non-medical fatality at the stadium, which was originally built for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. A very tragic story.

On more pleasant news...

Derek Jeter is expanding his impressive team of women once again; unfortunately I picked Minka Kelly for Tony Romo- but nonetheless; Page 6 of the NY Post is telling me this is true:

"WAS the mystery guy spotted slinking around the Empire Hotel with smoldering starlet Minka Kelly Yankee star Derek Jeter? Kelly's publicist put the kibosh on our query about a male suitor at the Empire (the rep told Page Six Kelly's dad was the only guy with her in the hotel), OK! magazine reports the "Friday Night Lights" actress was wined and dined at Kobe Club by Jeter on Monday. "She's still playing the field," one source told us."

Well maybe she was consulting Jeter for advice on how to fully cover second base on a double play; because as we know he is a professional on that literal and figurative field?

Either way I totally like this match up...and I'm sure he finds the idea of her owning that cheerleader costume from her "Friday Night Lights" gig slightly enticing....slightly.

[The Hollywood Gossip] has a full listing of Jeter's prior number 1 fans along with rankings and assessment's of his quite impressive lineup of ladies.