On November 9, Andre Agassi released his autobiography titled "Open". About a week before the release, news got out from his book that in 1997 he used crystal meth. This may come as a shock to most of the world and maybe some of the tennis world, but to me this doesn't came as much of a surprise. As much as I admire Andre Agassi, he was known as the wild child of tennis. He changed the face of tennis with a short marriage to Brooke Shields, crazy hair, and a strange style of life.
When looking back at the time when Agassi took crystal meth, it is obvious that it impacted his career and in no way was it positive. Agassi dropped to No. 141 in the world and was playing worse than he had ever played before. After ridding the addiction, Agassi made the largest one-year jump into the top 10 in the history of the ATP rankings in the 1998 season. The next season, Andre went on to win the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam. Then he finished the year with winning the U.S. Open and finished No. 1 in the world.
Though I don't agree with Agassi decision to do drugs or his letting he wrote to the anti-doping agency filled with lies, I do agree with Agassi coming out about this. This little secret could have gone to the grave with him and that would have been fine also. But for Andre to be honest and truthful to his fans and peers his something that I will keep as a memory of him for a long time. One of his biggest reasons for telling this was in hope that others wouldn't follow in his footsteps and I praise Agassi for that move. He did to preserve the game that he loves and that's all anyone can ask for.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Federer vs. Roddick
This past summer at Wimbledon, the longest match according to games played occurred in the championship match between American, Andy Roddick, and Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer. Andy Roddick is considered to be one Federer's two rivals, the other being Rafael Nadal. Even though the Roddick-Federer rival is lopsided with Roger having the overall of 19-2 in 21 matches, each match is worth watching. This past summer at Wimbledon was nothing different from what has occurred between the two.
After 77 games, a record most at Wimbledon, the match finally ended with both players running on nothing but fumes. Federer won with a total of 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 16-14. And yes, those last numbers for that final set are correct. The final set went into 30 games, a record. Ironically enough, Federer played Nadal the year before in a defeat but recorded the longest times match of Wimbledon. So two years back-to-back of record breaking matches for Federer with his two rivals and he comes on top in victory in the last one.
With that upsetting win over Roddick, Federer passed Pete Sampras with his 15th grand slam setting the record. Despite the demoralizing loss that Roddick faced, it's similar ground for Andy. This is the third time that Roddick has lost in the finals to Federer at Wimbledon and once at the U.S. Open. This match though was one that took every once of energy from both sides and proved how much a green court, a racket, and a ball can do. It brings out passion of both sides and their love of the game.
After 77 games, a record most at Wimbledon, the match finally ended with both players running on nothing but fumes. Federer won with a total of 5-7, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 16-14. And yes, those last numbers for that final set are correct. The final set went into 30 games, a record. Ironically enough, Federer played Nadal the year before in a defeat but recorded the longest times match of Wimbledon. So two years back-to-back of record breaking matches for Federer with his two rivals and he comes on top in victory in the last one.
With that upsetting win over Roddick, Federer passed Pete Sampras with his 15th grand slam setting the record. Despite the demoralizing loss that Roddick faced, it's similar ground for Andy. This is the third time that Roddick has lost in the finals to Federer at Wimbledon and once at the U.S. Open. This match though was one that took every once of energy from both sides and proved how much a green court, a racket, and a ball can do. It brings out passion of both sides and their love of the game.
Ireland vs. France
In a November 18th match between Ireland and France, the deciding goal of the game and to put the winner into the World Cup was decided by a handball and an off sides all on one play. Some have criticized Thierry Henry for hand-balling the ball in the front of the goal to set up for the game winning goal in injury time. I personally, as a soccer player, do not see this as cheating. Though the outcome really sucks for Ireland and it may not be fair that France made it to the World Cup off of a missed call but that gives no one the right to call a player a cheater. Besides the fact that he did redirect the ball, it was an in the moment type of thing. Plenty of professionals have stated that they might have done the same thing. As you can see in the video, the first ball hit his forearm by accident, then he slapped it down with his hand to his foot and passed it across the goal for the win.
A lot of the media has been complaining for Henry to get suspended. I heard a commentator says this and I agree, what Henry did was breaking the rules but it's the same as tackling someone in a soccer game, or getting a yellow or red card. If you suspend Henry, then every time a player gets called for a foul, you have to suspend him too. So as much as this sucks for Ireland and even the credit for France being in the finals, Henry nor France should get in trouble for this. If FIFA wants to do something about it, had some sort of review system by the goal or add a few more officials to the field.
Calipari, the Cheater
John Calipari is probably one of the most praised and hated basketball coaches in college basketball. Calipari has been the head coach of now three college basketball program, University of Massachusetts, Memphis, and now Kentucky. Calipari was first caught cheating at the University of Massachusetts in 1996 after the NCAA found out that Marcus Camby, a player for UMass, had received money and gift from an agent. UMass was then forced to vacate it's 4-1 1996 NCAA record. Calipari left UMass after that season for the NBA to coach the Nets. Calipari would be setting a trend that he would soon follow again. After three unsuccessful season, Calipari was fired and soon found himself as the head coach of Memphis's basketball team. Calipari would stay from 2000-2009 and develop a successful program.
It didn't take long for controversy to arise at Memphis. In 2001, Calipari recruited Dajuan Wagner to Memphis. After the signing, Dajuan's father, Milt Wagner, was hired as the Coordinator of Basketball Operations. A little suspicious? I think so. The controversy at Memphis would not stop here, after the 2007-2008 season, the NCAA investigated a player. The player was Derrick Rose and he has someone take his SAT so that he could score high enough to get into Memphis and play one year of basketball for them. Memphis had also let Rose's brother, Reggie, travel with the team to road game for free. Another NCAA violation. When all the investigation was finished, the 2009 season was complete and Calipari had ruined yet another school. The entire 2007-2008 season was vacated, the season that Memphis was the runner-up for the National Championship.
Calipari once again, left another program in the hole. He then left for Kentucky, to become there head basketball coach. Though a successful coach, how could anyone want to play for or hire a man that does nothing but cheat a program? I don't understand why the NCAA punishes school and players for the school while Calipari gets away with it. They should definitely punish him from coaching. He doesn't love the game, he loves seeing how far he can go cheating it before getting caught.
It didn't take long for controversy to arise at Memphis. In 2001, Calipari recruited Dajuan Wagner to Memphis. After the signing, Dajuan's father, Milt Wagner, was hired as the Coordinator of Basketball Operations. A little suspicious? I think so. The controversy at Memphis would not stop here, after the 2007-2008 season, the NCAA investigated a player. The player was Derrick Rose and he has someone take his SAT so that he could score high enough to get into Memphis and play one year of basketball for them. Memphis had also let Rose's brother, Reggie, travel with the team to road game for free. Another NCAA violation. When all the investigation was finished, the 2009 season was complete and Calipari had ruined yet another school. The entire 2007-2008 season was vacated, the season that Memphis was the runner-up for the National Championship.
Calipari once again, left another program in the hole. He then left for Kentucky, to become there head basketball coach. Though a successful coach, how could anyone want to play for or hire a man that does nothing but cheat a program? I don't understand why the NCAA punishes school and players for the school while Calipari gets away with it. They should definitely punish him from coaching. He doesn't love the game, he loves seeing how far he can go cheating it before getting caught.
The Great Wall
John Wall, the phenomenon out of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been covering the highlights on ESPN lately. Being from Eastern North Carolina and a big fan of basketball, I had heard of John Wall since he was probably a sophomore in high school. He tore up 1-A high school basketball. People would come from 30 minutes to an hour away just to watch him play basketball. Wall was rated by Scouts.com to be one of the best high school basketball players in the nation for his grade and the best for the point guard position.
When it came to John Wall making his decision on what college he wanted to attend, he waited until practically the last minute. Wall waited until May 19, 2009 to make his decision on attending Kentucky; about a month and half after John Calipari left Memphis to become the head coach of Kentucky. About 15 days after Calipari became the head coach, DeMarcus Cousins committed to attend Kentucky. John Calipari has been known for coaching remarkable basketball players for one year so that they can go on and do well in the NBA. This decision for Cousins to be attending Kentucky then led to John Wall's decision.
I personally think that the NCAA should change their rules on players attending college. They should make it the same as college baseball, either go pro from high school or stay three years. If this were true, then John Wall would have never had to wait so long to make a decision and the same goes for DeMarcus Cousins. John Wall's decision for college was based on which program and coach can give him the best spotlight and opportunities in one year of college basketball. Maybe I'm just a bitter Carolina fan, but this would prevent him from tearing up college hoops for one year and then leave the game. This personally frustrates a fan of college hoops. I love players to stay for a while and I can see them develop. John Wall and all these other players are great basketball players, but they're only in it for the self recognition and money. Hardly little love for the game.
When it came to John Wall making his decision on what college he wanted to attend, he waited until practically the last minute. Wall waited until May 19, 2009 to make his decision on attending Kentucky; about a month and half after John Calipari left Memphis to become the head coach of Kentucky. About 15 days after Calipari became the head coach, DeMarcus Cousins committed to attend Kentucky. John Calipari has been known for coaching remarkable basketball players for one year so that they can go on and do well in the NBA. This decision for Cousins to be attending Kentucky then led to John Wall's decision.
I personally think that the NCAA should change their rules on players attending college. They should make it the same as college baseball, either go pro from high school or stay three years. If this were true, then John Wall would have never had to wait so long to make a decision and the same goes for DeMarcus Cousins. John Wall's decision for college was based on which program and coach can give him the best spotlight and opportunities in one year of college basketball. Maybe I'm just a bitter Carolina fan, but this would prevent him from tearing up college hoops for one year and then leave the game. This personally frustrates a fan of college hoops. I love players to stay for a while and I can see them develop. John Wall and all these other players are great basketball players, but they're only in it for the self recognition and money. Hardly little love for the game.
Tiger Woods
In June of 2008, Tiger Woods won once again another U.S. Open. This win was different of any other win and will probably go down in history as his best win of all time. It took Woods 91 holes of play to win, including a 19 hole playoff.
Two months prior to playing at Torrey Pines, Woods had knee surgery and it was still uncertain on whether he would play. Woods played through some pain in the U.S. Open, limping from hole to hole and stating that that he was in severe pain. Two days after defeating Rocco Mediate in an epic playoff, Tiger revealed that he had played through the open with a torn ACL and would need to undergo surgery to repair his left knee. Woods also told media that he had been playing for the previous ten months with a torn ligament in his left knee and due to that sustained a double stress fracture in his left tibia.
"The atmosphere is what kept me going," Woods said. "The tournament, being a major championship here at Torrey Pines, all the people, it could have very easily ... I couldn't ever quit in front of these people. It wasn't going to happen." - ESPN.com (Tiger puts away Mediate on 91st hole to win U.S. Open)
From this quote, one can tell that Woods desire to win is something that pushes pain and physical comfort out of the way. Woods love for the game and love for self recognition pushed him to win once again another major.
Two months prior to playing at Torrey Pines, Woods had knee surgery and it was still uncertain on whether he would play. Woods played through some pain in the U.S. Open, limping from hole to hole and stating that that he was in severe pain. Two days after defeating Rocco Mediate in an epic playoff, Tiger revealed that he had played through the open with a torn ACL and would need to undergo surgery to repair his left knee. Woods also told media that he had been playing for the previous ten months with a torn ligament in his left knee and due to that sustained a double stress fracture in his left tibia.
"The atmosphere is what kept me going," Woods said. "The tournament, being a major championship here at Torrey Pines, all the people, it could have very easily ... I couldn't ever quit in front of these people. It wasn't going to happen." - ESPN.com (Tiger puts away Mediate on 91st hole to win U.S. Open)
From this quote, one can tell that Woods desire to win is something that pushes pain and physical comfort out of the way. Woods love for the game and love for self recognition pushed him to win once again another major.
Melanie Oudin
Melanie Oudin, 17 year old tennis star from Marietta, Georgia, tore up the 2009 U.S. Open this past summer. She sent home consistent superstars such as currently ranked number 4 Elena Dementieva from Russia along with former number 1 Maria Sharapova also reigning from Russia. The tennis star from Marietta had already received great recognition from the media, but could she advance on through this tournament or were these wins just a little Cinderella story. Well it turns out that she would go on to beat Nadia Petrova, the 13th ranked player also from Russia, in the Fourth Round of the Woman's U.S. Open Draw.
Melanie was then heading on into the quarterfinals which means she she would is one of the final 8 players left in the world of woman's tennis. Even with the hype of the media praising on Melanie and her whole home town in anticipation of her every move, a loss in this round would still be understandable. But, Melanie falls short of advancing on with loss to the number 9th ranked tennis player in the world, Caroline Wozniacki, in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. Despite the brevity of the match, I still don't think anyone could have written this story any better for Melanie, unless it resulting in being the champion. She went on to tear up the media world covering almost every story line and winning over the hearts of Americans. Her love for the game of tennis is a story that I believe any sports fan and even a non-sports fan can relate with. Her passion for her love, tennis, is something that everyone has, but more than likely that passion lies with something else. Melanie's passion lies with a racket, a ball, and a tennis court. Nothing else matters.
Melanie was then heading on into the quarterfinals which means she she would is one of the final 8 players left in the world of woman's tennis. Even with the hype of the media praising on Melanie and her whole home town in anticipation of her every move, a loss in this round would still be understandable. But, Melanie falls short of advancing on with loss to the number 9th ranked tennis player in the world, Caroline Wozniacki, in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. Despite the brevity of the match, I still don't think anyone could have written this story any better for Melanie, unless it resulting in being the champion. She went on to tear up the media world covering almost every story line and winning over the hearts of Americans. Her love for the game of tennis is a story that I believe any sports fan and even a non-sports fan can relate with. Her passion for her love, tennis, is something that everyone has, but more than likely that passion lies with something else. Melanie's passion lies with a racket, a ball, and a tennis court. Nothing else matters.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Jozy Altidore
Not many people, particularly Americans, will know who is Jozy Altidore. Altidore is a Haiti-American professional soccer player. He currently plays for the English club team Hull City on loan from Villarreal. Altidore is currently of the age of 19 about to turn 20. He has been a professional soccer player since the age of 16. His accomplishments so far in his career are magnificent. Altidore was the youngest player to score in in Major League Soccer Play-off(with the New York Red Bulls), youngest american to score in their first international start, youngest American to score in a World Cup Qualifier, youngest American to score a hat trick in World Cup Qualifier, and the first US International to score in Spain's La Liga. These stats are something that can make any sports fan stand in awe especially someone like me who loves the game of soccer.
Even with all of these great accomplishments, I have little to wonder about Altidore except for why someone who has parents who have escaped a poverty stricken country would give up the chance for a college degree to play for a possible 10-15 year soccer career. Altidore was able to finish out high school and get his diploma at the age of 16. Obviously, the love for the game of soccer or any sport tends to outweigh reasoning. Other than that little fact of Altidore's life, I am actually jealous that I'm not in his shoes playing professional soccer and making game winning goal to knock off the World's number 1. If I was given the option to play professional soccer at the age of 16, I would have never thought twice about that decision. I would be kicking a ball somewhere in Europe right now.
Here is a commercial that Adidas did with Altidore two years ago.
Even with all of these great accomplishments, I have little to wonder about Altidore except for why someone who has parents who have escaped a poverty stricken country would give up the chance for a college degree to play for a possible 10-15 year soccer career. Altidore was able to finish out high school and get his diploma at the age of 16. Obviously, the love for the game of soccer or any sport tends to outweigh reasoning. Other than that little fact of Altidore's life, I am actually jealous that I'm not in his shoes playing professional soccer and making game winning goal to knock off the World's number 1. If I was given the option to play professional soccer at the age of 16, I would have never thought twice about that decision. I would be kicking a ball somewhere in Europe right now.
Here is a commercial that Adidas did with Altidore two years ago.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sooner's Bradford re-injures shoulder
The University of Oklahoma's starting quarterback Sam Bradford injured his shoulder during the September 5 battle with BYU that resulted in a loss. Bradford had passed up the NFL last season in hopes of leading his college to a National Championship. Bradford, as a sophomore, won the Heisman Trophy last year over the hopeful repeat Tim Tebow and future number one pick in the NFL Draft Matthew Stafford. On the first game of the season, the star Bradford went down along with his team. National Championship possibilities are almost out of the picture at this point and for Bradford a good look at the NFL (not saying that he won't do well). After Bradford's dismiss, the Sooners went on to win 3 out of the next 4. Oklahoma entered Saturday's game with a 3-2 record with both losses to top 25 teams, a much needed win, and a Red River Rival on the line. Bradford was now back to complete the Sooners and hopefully turn the team around. In the first quarter of the game, unblocked Longhorns cornerback Aaron Williams sacked Bradford while he was running backwards trying to get away from the defender on Oklahoma's second drive. Bradford landed on the same shoulder and re-injured it in what he claims as the same feeling as the BYU game.
This brings me to wonder why Bradford would ever come back especially if all it took to re-injure his shoulder was one hit. The hit was a powerful hit but that still doesn't take anything away from the stupidity of Bradford to play or the training staff to let him. Sam Bradford is an intelligent man, he knows that the NFL will always be there for him especially considering that he is the current Heisman Trophy winner. He has at least one more year of eligibility and a throwing arm to take care of. I know that playing the game and the thrill that comes out of doing something you love tends to outweigh any reason. But when there is time to reason with an injury that is crucial to one's career, that's not an excuse. In my opinion, this was a brave but dumb decision by Bradford. Cut your losses and wait until next year.
This brings me to wonder why Bradford would ever come back especially if all it took to re-injure his shoulder was one hit. The hit was a powerful hit but that still doesn't take anything away from the stupidity of Bradford to play or the training staff to let him. Sam Bradford is an intelligent man, he knows that the NFL will always be there for him especially considering that he is the current Heisman Trophy winner. He has at least one more year of eligibility and a throwing arm to take care of. I know that playing the game and the thrill that comes out of doing something you love tends to outweigh any reason. But when there is time to reason with an injury that is crucial to one's career, that's not an excuse. In my opinion, this was a brave but dumb decision by Bradford. Cut your losses and wait until next year.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Michael Crabtree as a 49er
During the 2009 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers drafted Michael Crabtree as the 10th overall pick. Michael Crabtree spent his previous 3 years as a nationally recognized top receiver playing at Texas Tech. The San Francisco 49ers finished last season with a record of 7-9 and falling short of the playoffs. The addition of a great wide receiver was and still is thought by the organization to possibly be the finishing piece to the puzzle and send them over .500 and possible to the playoffs. But unfortunately Crabtree saw things differently.
Like most of your wide receivers in the NFL and plenty of other athletes, it's all about them. Crabtree and his agent were never able to find the right amount of money in a contract that was good enough for a 21 year old wide reciever. Crabtree's agent had said to the media that they were even considering not playing for a year and re-entering the draft in 2010. Crabtree did eventually sign with the 49ers 4 games into the regular season and is not going to hold out.
In my opinion this is very selfish play by anyone yet alone a professional athlete. I believe very few people have the right to not sign with a team just because they believe they are not getting what they deserve. Crabtree has yet to even prove that he can play at the professional level. So I wonder why him and his agent think they can hold a team out of player for selfish reasons. But I guess this is one of the many things some athletes just like most humans. They have greed and it keeps them from playing the game they love. When Michael Crabtree was eight years old, do you think he got mad about not getting enough Caprisuns at the end of the game? I highly doubt it, just play the game.
Like most of your wide receivers in the NFL and plenty of other athletes, it's all about them. Crabtree and his agent were never able to find the right amount of money in a contract that was good enough for a 21 year old wide reciever. Crabtree's agent had said to the media that they were even considering not playing for a year and re-entering the draft in 2010. Crabtree did eventually sign with the 49ers 4 games into the regular season and is not going to hold out.
In my opinion this is very selfish play by anyone yet alone a professional athlete. I believe very few people have the right to not sign with a team just because they believe they are not getting what they deserve. Crabtree has yet to even prove that he can play at the professional level. So I wonder why him and his agent think they can hold a team out of player for selfish reasons. But I guess this is one of the many things some athletes just like most humans. They have greed and it keeps them from playing the game they love. When Michael Crabtree was eight years old, do you think he got mad about not getting enough Caprisuns at the end of the game? I highly doubt it, just play the game.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Favre: The Legend
As most people know, Brett Favre has been the center of both mythology and controversy. Mythology for his entire career and controversy for the past few seasons. Brett Favre has been known as being that classic "gun-slinger" who can throw the dumbest interceptions but can also lead a team down a field and make the most amazing pass to win a game. Over the last few seasons, Favre retired, came back to the Packers, retired, came back to the Packers, retired, went to the Jets, retired, then finally came to the Vikings (that may not be the exactness but it's close enough). Through all these seasons of frustration for the fan and team owners, few thought Favre still had it in him to be the legend he was. Well, on Sunday night he proved them all wrong. With less than 2 minutes left and trailing the San Francisco 49ers 24-20, Favre did the impossible. He led his new team down the field to score and win. With the ball on the 49ers' 32 yard line and 10 seconds left to go in the game, Favre takes the snap, scrabbles a big then does what he is known for and "slings" one up and out of nowhere Lewis catches the ball in the back of the endzone for the game winning touchdown and probably catch of the year.
With that whole description of Favre play this brings me to the point where I can completely confirm all of Favre stupidity or lack of wisdom over the last few offseason as being his best decisions ever. He has proved that he should not be retiring anytime soon. This sport is part of him and he has forever left himself in the sport for the rest of us. Favre the Legend, he still exist.
With that whole description of Favre play this brings me to the point where I can completely confirm all of Favre stupidity or lack of wisdom over the last few offseason as being his best decisions ever. He has proved that he should not be retiring anytime soon. This sport is part of him and he has forever left himself in the sport for the rest of us. Favre the Legend, he still exist.
William's Outrage
During the U.S. Open for tennis, there was an instance in the semifinals match between Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams where Williams was charged with a match point penalty after a confrontation with an official. On video is Williams cussing out the line judge for a foot fault penalty that was obviously not a foot fault penalty.
Williams was serving against Clijsters in the second set at 5-6, 15-40 after dropping the first set 4-6. A foot fault at this point in a match is a very unlikely call to be made. Williams obviously knew that she wasn't foot faulting but her reaction was clearly uncalled for. Williams is quoted as saying "I'm going to shove this ball down your f------ throat." Along with her also yelling other slanders at the line judge.
I do not agree with the conduct portrayed from Williams in the semifinals match. This conduct in a country club sport such as tennis will have harsher punishments than most sports. Even though Williams as competetive athlete should not react in this way. Though tensions are high at a semifinals match in the U.S. Open match, any athlete should know how to harness anger and agression towards the match or game when applicable.
From personally playing tennis along with soccer in high school, I can understand the agression of any sport and the desire to ALWAYS want to win. But I can also say that I have never gotten ejected or fined from a tennis match or soccer game from cussing out an official. I have been disqualified from soccer for hitting a few players, but maybe that's how an athlete should react?
Williams was serving against Clijsters in the second set at 5-6, 15-40 after dropping the first set 4-6. A foot fault at this point in a match is a very unlikely call to be made. Williams obviously knew that she wasn't foot faulting but her reaction was clearly uncalled for. Williams is quoted as saying "I'm going to shove this ball down your f------ throat." Along with her also yelling other slanders at the line judge.
I do not agree with the conduct portrayed from Williams in the semifinals match. This conduct in a country club sport such as tennis will have harsher punishments than most sports. Even though Williams as competetive athlete should not react in this way. Though tensions are high at a semifinals match in the U.S. Open match, any athlete should know how to harness anger and agression towards the match or game when applicable.
From personally playing tennis along with soccer in high school, I can understand the agression of any sport and the desire to ALWAYS want to win. But I can also say that I have never gotten ejected or fined from a tennis match or soccer game from cussing out an official. I have been disqualified from soccer for hitting a few players, but maybe that's how an athlete should react?
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