James Hard on the Cash: I Want to be the Man

Former Oklahoma City Thunder and Sixth Man of the Year James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and some cast members. Also let’s not forget one of the key pieces to the trade that many aren’t talking about and that’s those future first-round draft picks. This can be a big deal for the Thunder down the road to keep the relevant. I understand they have Durant and Westbrook but you never know in the business how things can turn out. I really wanted to touch on the whole Harden trade and where it all started and finished. Harden is a tremendous young player with so much potential. Many people are angry with him and the OKC because of the trade. But I tell people know all the facts before we judge the situation.

There was a deal on the table this off-season for Harden to sign a 4 year/$55 million deal to stay with the team. Just in my opinion, I personally think that is good for a sixth man and a player of his caliber. Let’s not get too caught up with the contracts of Durant and Westbrook who are both inked maxed deals with the club. Harden is and I repeat, he isn’t a max player in his career right now. Not because he came off the bench, but in past history teams like the Knicks and other organizations were just throwing money around just because they saw some talent. Let’s get back to the old days where you had to prove yourself and earned you paycheck. Harden again is a good player that has great potential being a NBA All-Star but being the third guy on a team isn’t going to get that max deal; sorry James!

Now the confusion with the whole thing is that people are frustrated with Harden because the team offered him $55 million and he wanted $60 million. So what is $5 million dollars right? Let me ask you, would you leave $5 million on the table or even $10 million? Maybe or maybe not. Harden situation is very different than most because he isn’t the star on the team; he comes off the bench for God sake. Now that he plays for the Rockets, he will be number one option on the team and maybe that is what he wanted all along. It’s very hard to close to impossible to make the Hall of Fame coming off the bench and he understands that. I’m very in the middle with his decision to decline the offer. He was in a great situation with OKC to keep competing at a high level year after year.

You can tell when Harden would go into the game last season that he tried to take advantage of all of his opportunities that he got. He wants more minutes and now playing for the Rockets, he will get it. Now are they going to be a good team? No they won’t guys. It’s just that simple. I’m not sold on this team at all and they will probably be a lottery team in the 2013 draft in June. So in all Harden wanted the money and the spotlight that he didn’t get in OKC. I say that he got great spotlight on him, but maybe he was jealous of how people look at Durant as the man on the team. Don’t let the Thunder win a championship because if they do, you already know who they are going to give 90% of the credit to. Tell me your feelings about the whole trade and who do you think go the better end of it?

The Real Truth About American Fans

I didn’t touch on this story for a couple of weeks because I wanted to really put my all in getting all the proper information about what happened the day Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel incurred an concussion against the Baltimore Ravens. I do understand that the fans are not pleased with his past performance. I got that, but come on cheering when he goes down to injury. This is disgusting to hear about the next day on the news and the radio. I will tell you guys that I was a bit shocked about it but not completely and here’s why.

The American fan is very passionate about sports and when they go to a sports event such as a football game they are really leaving it out on the field. Some love to fight, curse and get drunk at games. The sad part about it is that many kids attend these games and they are exposed to this mayhem. They don’t need that while they are with their mom and dad trying to enjoy a day out and cheer on their team. The night of the cheering the concussion the Chiefs did lose 9-6 against the Ravens and the fans are pretty much angry. I’m just not a fan of people cheering on injury; especially their own player. This isn’t humane to me! What do you guys think about that? You have the fans that are coming out of Kansas City and fighting back and saying that not 80,000 cheered, it was only a few people (Gregory, 2012). Are you serious? A few is still bad in my eyes. Who are they to cheer maybe a career ending injury?

You never know what could happen in this case of a concussion people. We have found out as fans in the past years on how major a head injury can be and cause after effects in a person’s life when retired. I just laugh how fans all across the country are big and bad when they go to a game but when they are at work they are puppies. What I mean by that is when fans are at games they show this side to them that doesn’t exist in their everyday lives. They wait for the right moment to attack a professional player. It’s like when one fan curses and hears it, which is when they follow with their attacks.

It was just refreshing to see Cassel’s teammate offensive lineman Eric Winston stand up to the fans and the media and tell to the world how he felt. I’m really not a fan on players speaking about fans and all but this needed to be addressed. Let’s go a little back in time guys. If you remember in 1999, Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin was cheered by Philadelphia Eagles fans when he lay on the turf with a career ending neck injury (Gregory, 2012). This just rubs me the wrong way when I hear these kinds of stories and I know for most of my followers that are reading it; it bothers you as well. Let’s think about the word fan. What does it really mean? Hmm; it means FANATIC!

I learned in sports that everyone can’t be great. To have great players and teams you have to have bad ones. Unfortunately Kansas City Chiefs are one of those teams. Not to say that Cassel is a bad quarterback, but you can’t have every quarterback that is Brees, Manning brothers and Brady. You just can’t!

  

References

Gregory, S. Cheers for Matt Cassel’s Concussion: Why Sport Fans Applaud Injury. Keepingscore.Blogs.Time.com, 9 October 2012, http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/10/09/cheers-for-matt-cassels-concussion-why-sports-fans-applaud-injury/, Retrieved 29 October 2012.

Shaq: Howard Admires You

 

All you guys know I’m a big Shaquille O’Neal fan and I usually stand by what he says about past and present players; especially when he went at Kobe Bryant years ago. This time I just can’t be with him on this one. He is attacking Dwight Howard every chance he gets; calling him out on things that he just has no right doing. I just don’t know why he is doing it. I know Shaq isn’t jealous of him because he is a 4-time NBA champion and a future Hall of Famer. I just think that Shaq wishes that he was young again and could play against Howard in his prime.

Let’s remember that Shaq was destroying Howard when he first entered the league in 2004 as just a young boy out of high school. So when Howard developed to be this dominant big man in the game, Shaq was already old and on his way out. Howard rubbed fans the wrong way on how he handled his situation in Orlando, but that doesn’t keep giving Shaq the right to take shots. Howard went on record and always been saying that he idolizes Shaq. That he always wanted to play like the retired big man. So you would think that Shaq would mold and mentor the young Howard; but no!

Is it that Howard was a better defender then Shaq throughout his career? Or is that Howard has stayed in great shape through his career? We all know the struggles Shaq faced with his weight. Coming into the league in 1992 with the Magic, he was a slim 7 foot 303 lbs. guy. Then throughout he stormed up to 350 lbs. and counting. Howard has been doing everything right since entering the league, so it just bothers and bugs me that Shaq is saying that Howard isn’t the best center in the game. Why the hell would you say Brook Lopez and Andrew Bynum are better? He knows deep down who the best is. Maybe it’s because Howard calls himself “Superman”? Whatever the beef is I hope that Shaq embraces the new LA Laker and give him some positive talk. Do you think that Shaq is being fair with Howard?

NBA 2012-2013 Season Predictions

The NBA season is in a few days and you guys were probably wondering where the predictions are. Well they are here today and I stand very strong on them. This preseason wasn’t the best to say the least, but I can tell you it’s about to change. The excitement for this season is real. With trades in the off-season, free agents going to popular destinations and the new Barclay’s Center; you can’t ask for anything more. This season many teams and players in the league have so much to prove to themselves and fans out there. This will be a full season! Not like last year where we were cheated out of some games because of the NBA lockout. Glad those negotiations are over and we can get back to the season of all seasons. The NBA is here and I know you guys are anxious already for it to start. So here we gooooooo!

 Eastern Conference:

1.      Miami Heat: 60-22 (NBA Champions)

2.      New York Knicks: 54-28

3.      Boston Celtics: 52-30

4.      Indiana Pacers: 51-31

5.      Brooklyn Nets: 48-34

6.      Chicago Bulls: 45-37

7.      Philadelphia 76ers : 43-39

8.      Atlanta Hawks: 41-41

9.      Milwaukee Buck: 40-42

10.    Orlando Magic: 37-45

11.    Washington Wizards: 30-52

12.    Cleveland Cavaliers: 29-43

13.    Toronto Raptors: 26-56

14.    Detroit Pistons: 24-58

15.    Charlotte Bobcats: 23-59

 

Western Conference:

1.      Oklahoma City Thunder: 63-19 (MVP: Kevin Durant)

2.      Los Angeles Lakers: 55-27

3.      San Antonio Spurs: 54-28

4.      Los Angeles Clippers: 53-29

5.      Memphis Grizzles: 52-30

6.      Denver Nuggets: 49-33

7.      Dallas Mavericks: 44-38

8.      Minnesota Timberwolves: 41-41

9.      Utah Jazz: 40-42

10.    Portland Trailblazers: 38-44

11.    Golden State Warriors: 35-47

12.    Phoenix Suns: 33-49

13.    Sacramento Kings: 28-54

14.    New Orleans Hornets: 25-57

15.    Houston Rockets: 19-63

Top 10 NFL Power Rankings

In Week 1 I had some teams that made the top 10 in my power rankings, but some things just had to change. Many teams want that number one spot but there only can be one at the top. Some surprises on this list and they are putting their stamp on the league.

1.      Houston Texans

2.      New York Giants

3.      Atlanta Falcons

4.      Baltimore Ravens

5.      San Francisco 49ers

6.      Chicago Bears

7.      New England Patriots

8.      Green Bay Packers

9.      Arizona Cardinals

10.    Denver Broncos

The Long Await: Stoudemire's Bouncing Back

Amar’e Stoudemire will have a bounce back season in 2012-2013 season. The reason why is because Amar’e is very talented and a top power forward in the game. We can’t forget that he is in the prime of his career. Last year wasn’t the season that he expected or the Knicks at that but things happen. The money that he is being paid $20 million annual has strike a match in him and get the job done this year. This is a very crucial year for Stoudemire and the New York Knicks. I will go on the limb and say “Do or Die Season”.

Stoudemire had many setbacks last season with the back injury, the death of his brother and the non-existent chemistry that he doesn’t have with Carmelo Anthony. I think that this will change this season because it just has to guys. Amar’e will have a coming out party that we will remember for the coming years. My prediction is that he will be a 22 point per game guy this year. I also think that he will be an All-Star this season. I don’t have many question marks on Stoudemire and his will to play and win. The only thing that I think about is that back of his. When will the pain just go go away? That’s a question that we don’t have the answer for.

With the addition to Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd at the point guard position this will only help Amar’e get back to the game changer he once was back in 2010. These point guards aren’t selfish and they can run the pick and roll the way Stoudemire’s likes. This is going to be a fun team to watch this year and I can’t wait till the season starts to see what tricks Stoudemire pulls out his hat. Just don’t punch anymore fire extinguishers again! We damn sure don’t need you missing any season or playoff games because of that Stat. Do you think Stat will progress or regress?

The Death of a Dynasty: Yankees 2012

Guys, I have a lot on my mind and this is the right place for me to vent to you. So I’m going in this morning. First of all did who was that on the field against the Detroit Tigers? It definitely wasn’t the New York Yankees; it couldn’t be. The team I saw looked nervous to swing at the right pitch and just looked a horrible mess out there. Oh yeah that was the Yankees haha, my bad. I can go for hours and maybe days talking about how dreadful they were but I’m not going to go there. There is still a lot of pain and anguish that we are still going through as fans of this team. So I will get to some great points and just wait for next season to see what they will do.

Let’s talk about the manager Joe Giradi. I can say that he is really a good manager and he doesn’t get the credit that he deserves. Managing the Yankees is no walk in the park and the scrutiny and pressure is on him every day. But Giradi understands what comes with the territory as why he took the job and was a good catcher and champion with the team in the 90’s. He made the right decisions on pulling players such as Swisher and A-Rod when they were struggling. That was the right call because they weren’t hitting the ball and being .100 at the plate is just not going to cut it. So I don’t put the blame on the manager, but many will still do that.

Here it goes guys! A-Rod, Swisher, Granderson and Cano; where the hell were for the last week or so. Striking out that many times is just something to remember for the ages. I can tell you guys that I didn’t see this coming at all and I know you didn’t as well. Don’t get me wrong I knew they would have a battle against this gritty team that just won’t go away. The Tigers are up and coming and have much to prove to the league and fans. This was a great victory for them and the city as we all know the struggles they have had through the years of the economy. The Yankees just laid down and said “do what you please”. Are you kidding me? They had to have more integrity and fight in them; well we thought anyway. People love just to blame the $27 million a year player in A-Rod, that he was the fault of the loss. I say that he was a part of the loss just like the others.

This team is has many overpaid players and they are just too old to get it down now. 2009 is over and gone! Let’s focus on the future by getting younger and get these high maintenance players out of here. They know who they are. I don’t have to say names. I’m a die-hard Yankee fan and it just killed me inside to see them get swept like that against the Tigers. I believe this team will win the World Series against the favorite Cardinals. That’s just me! Trading A-Rod in the offseason isn’t going to fix the problems that they Yankees are having. They will still have to pay A-Rod most of the contract that he is owed anyway. I personally like the guy, but he is just too broken down in his career and every year it seems that his mental game just declines as well. The future doesn’t look too bright for this team if they don’t fix the problems that they are having within the club. Spending money is great to make the big splash, but if you’re not getting any return on your investment what does it really mean? I want you guys to vent to me how you feel.

The Tribute: Shaq Just Doesn't Care who is There

Shaq is at it again and he is leaving no prisoners! Scott Pollard was a decent defender in his playing days but he didn’t see this coming. My question is, did anyone ever saw it coming? Came across this picture and I had to post it for you guys this morning. O’Neal was definitely a beast in his prime and the picture says it all guys. I have many great posterizing photos to come. Stay tuned!

East Coast vs. West Coast

 

Today is the game that will show us what the New York Giants are made of this season. We all celebrated and enjoyed the Super Bowl win earlier this year, but in sports and life it’s all about what have you done for me lately? Well lately is here and it’s now against much improved and some say the best team in the league San Francisco 49ers. Eli Manning has a lot on his plate today on the west coast against a team that rushes the quarterback every chance they can get and let’s not forget the great play of Alex Smith. Once was a throwaway player years ago after being selected 1st overall in 2004 NFL draft. Smith has definitely improved his game and is playing like a Pro Bowler under coach Jim Harbaugh. Smith seems to make little mistakes and seems to be on the attack instead of being a game manager like last year.

This is a very important game for both teams as they keep moving up the rankings in the league. I personally think that the Giants need the game more than the 49ers just because of the competition in the NFC East. We all know that they dropped games against both the Eagles and Cowboys. So they can’t afford to keep losing conference games. My heart is telling me that the Giants will win today but not by much because of both defenses. However, my head is telling me that the 49ers are going to give them a lot of hell and this game can go either way. The 49ers have some strong weapons and they are going to let it all out today and keep in their minds the lost they faced against the Giants in the NFC championship.

Frank Gore is playing out of his mind as he is leading the offense down in San Fran. We all knew he was a top back but he has a lot to prove this year. I think that the offensive line for the Giants will be key in today’s battle against the 49ers. They have to protect Eli so that he can throw bombs to his great receivers. Our running game has to pick up though! This will be a tight game today. I hope that history repeats itself today and the Giants are victorious. Can’t wait! Who is going to win this game?

Where are They now: Laila Ali

 

Legendary women’s boxer Laila Ali comes from a strong boxing background. Her father being Muhammad Ali, which is considered the greatest boxer of all-time gave the fight gene to his daughter. Her father had one hell of a career and daughter Laila enjoyed the stories and footage of her father’s success and wanted to follow suit. She then did it in 1999 when she turned 21 years old, Ali decided to go pro. Father Muhammad Ali wasn’t sure about his daughter’s decision to fight in a very dangerous sport, but she did it anyway. I can tell you that she didn’t disappoint. Her first win was a KO in the first round against April Fowler (Laila Ali, 2010). Then people took notice of her grittiness and her fierce approach to boxing.

Many people wanted to see young Ali fight because her father Muhammad legend and that was his daughter. So Ali got much publicity in her early career. But once she started to prove her worth the media and fans didn’t think about her being the daughter of Muhammad Ali. They thought of her a just a great women’s boxer. When Ali stepped in the ring you can just tell that the opponent was so intimated by her 5’10” body and the look in her eye. She was out for blood! She knocked out many of her opponents while capturing different title belts such as IWBF, WIBA and WBC. Ali left the game on top by having a undefeated career going 24-0.

When there is success comes criticism. Ali was criticized for ducking the top contenders for many years. The media felt that she only fought people she could just beat up. I think that isn’t true at all. She did fight the best of the best in her time, so I’m not really buying into all the opinions and gossip. They said the same about Floyd Mayweather and look what he has done. Ali looked up to her boxing idol in Christy Martin and then defeated her back in 2003. As I always say they build you up to tear you down. With a outstanding boxing, television and business career there isn’t anything that Ali can’t conquer. You can see her now on television commercials such as Subways and show American Gladiators with Hulk Hogan. Her beauty speaks for itself and she left the ring at the right time to do other ventures in marketing opportunities with Dove and her own skin care line.

Bring out the Doormat

 

This story should of been written months ago by me about how the Orlando Magic will be such a tragic story this season. Not that just lost Dwight Howard for peanuts but that they got nothing great in return, and let’s not talk about the talent on this team. They look terrible guys! It’s that plain and simple. Also I’m not a big fan of the Jacque Vaughn signing as being the coach of the club. The reason is because with this transition of the aftermath of Howard they need a face on this team. I would of went out for a big slash on choosing a credible coach. I know Jerry Sloan was out there. He would of been a great fit down in Florida. But they chose otherwise.

The Magic will be this year’s doormat in the NBA. When you guys get a chance really check out the roster and break it down and I just don’t see this team winning more than 30 games. I really hope that I’m wrong because I really do root for the underdog. I didn’t like how Howard treated the team and how he made his exit. If you’re going to opt-in into your contract do it and move on. Don’t complain months later that you were forced to do and all this other bull. Now you are in the City of Angels town and let’s see what you’re going to do down there.

The key piece to this team is Jameer Nelson and his point guard play and stepping up as a leader. This will be crucial in this upcoming season. Don’t worry, he will have many shooters on this team that would love to put the ball up. Did I forget to tell you that they have former Knick Al Harrington haha. This will be fun to watch and see how everything unfolds. I want to say that I see a bright side to this team but I’m really really digging guys. Tell me where do you think this team will end up finishing next year?

Top 10 NBA Sixth Men

 

The sixth man in the NBA is a very crucial role on a team that is needed to give the club energy off the bench. Times it changes the game when a sixth man comes in and pumps up the team. These players could start on any other team in the league but they are very comfortable in their situation and flourish when coming off the bench. These players that are my Top 10 brings back memories of when John Starks of the New York Knicks would come into the game and change it in a heartbeat with a 3 pointer. So here it is! What is your list?

Manu Ginobili


James Harden
Jason Terry
Lou Williams


Jamal Crawford


O.J. Mayo


Thaddeus Young
J.R. Smith


Al Harrington


Mike Dunleavy

45 Years Later we Have a Winner: Triple Crown 2012

 

What a year for Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera, where he captures the first Triple Crown since 1967. It has been 45 years since any player in the MLB to achieve this remarkable achievement. Cabrera took this crown out of vacancy and into his home. Many are saying that he should win the AL MVP and I say why not? Don’t get me wrong you have some great, great candidates in Curtis Granderson, Josh Hamilton and Mike Trout. All of them have been studs and capturing the audience every game. The only negative about Granderson was his batting average being .232. This is horrible! I think it is going to come down to Trout and Cabrera. You guys know I’m a big fan of Trout and did a story on him a while back for MVP consideration and now it’s all come together. For being on 20 years old, Trout has broke some records in his rookie season.

Cabrera, even though he won the 2012 Triple Crown many experts want Trout to win the AL MVP. This is going to be something to keep a close eye on guys. This is the reason why I love sports people. Day in and day out we have the option to watch sports of all kinds and witness history being made. I don’t think Cabrera is getting the respect that he deserves for winning the Triple Crown. The reason I say this is because a couple of years ago Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols hit about .331, 49 homers and 137 RBI. They are saying that this shouldn’t guarantee a MVP. I would say that they are right but this feat haven’t been accomplished in 45 years and it is one of the most outstanding achievements that a player can ever get.

I can tell you this guys, I always knew that Cabrera would be a star. Back in 2003 I seen this young slim kid playing with the Florida Marlins. You just knew he had star power! He could hit the ball good and run the bases and at that time he was only 20 years old. This will be one of the most memorable MVP races that I’ve ever witnessed I can tell you that. Cabrera numbers for 2012 were .331, 44 Home Runs and 139 RBI. This is amazing to say the least guys; forget a Triple Crown. These numbers make your eyes glow in amazement. But whatever happens at least I can say “Iv’e seen Cabrera win the Triple Crown”. Who do you think is going to win the AL MVP?

Can the Newly Brooklyn Nets Make the Playoffs?

 

With the newly look Brooklyn Nets many questions are at bay. First off, they have newly acquired players and they are in a new arena; which is the Barclay’s Center. Many sports enthusiast want to see if they can gel together and make some great things happen in Brooklyn? Myself being a New York Knicks fan, I love that the Nets made themselves more competitive because that just makes the city more live. We will all be waiting for these games against these rivals. The Nets do have some great talent in Williams and Johnson but they have some major holes in their defense. That is the major question for this team.

The club has a tremendous coach in Avery Johnson to where he will do his part to make this team competitive and get back to the playoffs. This was a coach at once in his career led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2006. So you already know this man is a stud and this team is very lucky to have him. Last year is the past so this team can only look forward. I have my own questions about the team. To start, I’m not sure if this team will be a playoff team. The reason why is because the center they have in Brook Lopez isn’t aggressive enough for me. He is a terrible rebounder as a center and he is injury prone. With the deal he just signed this off-season we only hope that he can perform to his contract. But how many players do?

I don’t have many concerns about Deron Williams and his point guard play. He is one of the best out there, but this season he has to facilitate more and trust his teammates. We’ve seen last year that he had to truck the load and take many shots. How can we forget his 57 point game last season. That says it all right there! This season he should be averaging at least 10-11 assist per game. There is a game changer on this team and I have to give him props and it’s the one and only Kris Humphries. He has came along way since his arrival to the league. Last year put up really good numbers for a player that was just considered a reality TV disaster. Averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds a game; you can’t get better than that from this type of player (Bleacher Report, 2012). He brings hustle intensity and a willingness to play.

The biggest concern for this team is and you guess it, Joe “$119 million” Johnson. Will he be too comfortable in his new situation and all this money he has been getting for the last couple of years? Or will he be hungry enough to make a splash on the team? Don’t get me wrong guys, Johnson is a hell of a player and many nights he looks unstoppable but he doesn’t look like the same ol’ Joe to me. But if he can bring his jump shot and post up moves then sky is the limit for this team. I just see this team struggling to make the 8th seed in the east. I really hope I’m wrong though. There are too many teams in the east that are strong and dominant, so where is there place on the map? We shall wait and see. Where do you think the Nets will end up when it’s all said and done?

The Tribute: Anthony Never Learns his Lesson

 

In this week’s edition of the tribute, I bring you Derrick Rose and the posterizing dunk on Joel Anthony. This man just tries his best to stop the dunk, but many times he gets splashed on. Iv’e done my research and most dunks in the league is on him. I’m just kidding. Can’t knock the brother for trying though! Rose may be out with injury but he has a long highlight reel that will be there for him while he is getting back his health. The picture says it all guys. Enjoy

Top 10 NBA Centers

 

I couldn’t give you most of the NBA positions leaving you without the most dominant one; which is the centers! These players on the list sacrifice everything for the team to make them better. So if that is rebounding, defending on putting their bodies on the line; that is just what they do to be a team player. Don’t dare to stand in their way down low because you will get the business. Most of these players are young and have a lot of upside to their careers and they want to leave a legacy behind. Who can blame them? I’m waiting on your list now!

Dwight Howard


Andrew Bynum


Al Horford


Marc Gasol
Tyson Chandler
Kevin Garnett
Andrew Bogut


Roy Hibbert


Marcin Gortat
Al Jefferson

　

Top 10 NBA Coaches: 2012-2013 Season

 

I can smell the NBA season right around the corner and I’m very hyped up right now like you. So tonight I give tribute to the best coaches in the NBA. Like I always say, there can only be a 10 chosen. Guys, the list of coaches here have made a mark on their teams and demand respect. Not saying that others don’t but players want to give there all for them; and losing isn’t an option! What’s your list?

Greg Popovich
Doc Rivers
Rick Carlisle


Tom Thibodeau


Scott Brooks


Doug Collins


George Karl
Erik Spoelstra
Mike Brown
Mike Woodson



                        

The Steroid Era: What we do for the Money

 

Former MLB player Jose Canseco was the first player to knock the lid off the steroid scandal in the league. Canseco was considered a “snitch” in the league. He wrote a book about him taking performance enhancement drugs and his fellow peers that took them as well. Many didn’t like what he did by airing out the dirty laundry that the nation wasn’t ready for. When we say Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa hitting all those home runs in 1998, we were amazed but also scratching our heads too. The country was trying to figure out how they hit all those home runs. Both of these players were smacking them out the park with no problem. Then to come to find out that they were both using just made many baseball fans turn their heads on the sport. I was one of them as well; losing the love that I had once before.

However it didn’t stop there. Through the years we found out so many players were using when the test results came back. Baseball couldn’t recover from the bad wound. We as people were mainly insulted that these players would do just about anything for money. What about the great players that came before them that did it the right way? Were they just trying to tarnish the legacy of these players and what they represented? Hmm, we would never know. One thing is for sure is that when the Mitchell Report surfaced many players weren’t safe from the public backlash.

Alex Rodriguez one of the greatest players in the sport came up in the report and he denied that he was apart of using steroids. Then finally his tune changed and said that he didn’t know what he was taking. Such a crock! That made me so furious for him to think that we are stupid and didn’t know that back in 2001 when he signed that lucrative $225 million contract with Texas, you were under a lot of pressure to perform at a high level. So in the end his legacy is crushed and you can see those steroids that he was taken have an effect on his career the last couple of years. This man is breaking down slowly and he isn’t the home run hitter that we once known. Trust me I’m a big A-Rod fan, but what’s right is right. I’m a realist and I understand what the truth is.

You would think that with a decade of horror in MLB and the bad taste they left in the mouths of fans all around they would just get it right. But no they haven’t! This year alone we have seen players come up positive for performance enhancement drugs. Players like Ryan Braun, Melky Cabrera and Bartolo Colon all have and they have been suspended for 50 games except Braun (NYTimes, 2012). But that is another subject for another day. That man got off real easy and I think he is such a liar. Braun had us all fooled that he was a true MVP, but he wasn’t that. Just a man with a trophy.

Commissioner Bud Selig has done everything in his power to clean up the game but there is only so much he can do. In 2010, he vowed that the steroid era was gone and never to come back. But we saw that was far from the truth. No fault to him, but when players want to cheat; they will cheat. With high expectations and lucrative contracts that are given to these players, they will do anything to seal the deal. So all you Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens out there the league is watching and hopefully we can get the game back where it use to be. Once the MLB was the country’s top sport but that has changed in the last 10 years. People are walking away from the game and support has been lower than decades ago. Do you guys think the game will get the respect it use to have?