Go Ahead, Let These Two Cats Ruin Your Day

// May 13th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Justice, Rob Lunn, Uconn, Uncategorized

Oh man, do I hate cats.  I’ve hated them my entire life.  Not their fault, really though.  See, anytime I get within 10 yards of a cat I have a god-awful allergic reaction.  And if a cat rubs up on me, dare he sneezes on me?  It’s game over for the Fat White Guy, get that epi-pen ready and start the show, it’s about to get ugly.  Think of that scene from Pulp Fiction, needle straight to the heart is the only way I’m coming back.

Even my girlfriend, who got this cat “Jinxy” for her first communion, still alive when we first got together was banished to the outside once I started coming around.  Poor cat died a year later, but that is the price you have to pay.  A Few dead cats along the way to loving your boyfriend.  I’ll be honest I’ve completely forgot where I was going with this.  Oh yah, the video.  One cat trying to wake his buddy up from the big sleep, with the low rent “Eres Tu” soundtrack in the background.

At first I was like, okay this redeems cats, one guy trying to bring his pal back to life.  But then I realized, shit this cat is just dancing on his buddies cold lifeless body.  Not to mention these to cats just ruined my entire day, getting me all worked up and it’s not even noon.  Typical cat, ruining shit for everyone.

Jacoby Ellsbury Declared By Nike To Be The Best Athlete Of All Time?….NOT SO FAST

// March 9th, 2010 // No Comments » // Justice, Uconn, Uncategorized, wob

So according to this, Ellsbury’s  “SPARQ” rating is 102.31 which, is a little bit of a convoluted calculation if you ask me, but go ahead and try it here (using Nike’s SPARQULATOR!) I’ll refrain from tackling the whole “this is simply a marketing ploy” by Nike angle, because the whole corporate America thing is played out.  But I will say this, the means of measuring Ellsbury’s athleticism are by no means widely accepted as the standard by strength coaches and professionals around the United States.  Sure, the vertical jump, 5-10-5 and 30 yard (and 40 yard) dash are measures of speed, power, and agility, but Nike is using a measuring stick that is wildly inaccurate.  First, the “jump pad” (which is used to measure vertical leap by calculating the time he leaves the pad to the time he lands) is easily manipulated, which is why every “real” evaluation (including the NFL combine) doesn’t use this method.

Read the full analysis over at NESN.com

Hat Tip: [Barstool Sports]

Morning Football Links: National Signing Day, Morning Erections, Unicorn Horns, and The Downfall Of Barack Obama

// February 2nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Justice, Uconn, Uncategorized, wob

• Morning erection….of a statue of Nick Saban.  Nothing can get Saban (’s statue) erect like Al Moore [Tide Sports]

• Unicorn Horns.  Arbitrary and about as accurate as the “star system”  Ride into the rainbow. [NESN]

• National Signing Day is tomorrow, and there a are still a few “five stars” who are undecided.  like Seantrel Henderson, who is likely going to Ohio State, but won’t let anyone in on the secret [Twin Cities]

• B.J. Daniels is getting his shoulder operated on.  Things are currently the definition of “a mess” in South Florida [TampaBay.com]

• Health care debate?  What health care debate?  Obama is pondering the legality of the BCS.  God Bless the USA! [Dallas News]

2010 Senior Bowl Players To Watch (Yes Tim Tebow Is On There)

// January 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // Justice, Minnesota, Rob Lunn, Uncategorized

You should watch this year’s senior bowl for several reasons.  Not only is it a precursor to the combine and draft, but it is also infinitely more entertaining than the Pro Bowl.  Sure, its an All Star game, but these guys actually have something to prove, which makes them very dangerous people.  So here are my players to watch.

QB - Tim Tebow, Florida Gators - Tebow is probably the prospect that everyone is watching. He had an outstanding career at Florida but has a ton of questions to answer as an NFL prospect. Can he play under center? (probably  not) Can he make drop backs second nature? Can he fix his extremely long release? (that’s what she said)

WR - Danario Alexander, Missouri Tigers - Great Size (6′5, 221 lbs.) Went under the radar at Missouri. His speed is the big question mark. There are a lot of good receivers in this draft but many are small guys with blazing speed. He is a different type of WR.

RB/WR - Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss Rebels - Kid can fly. I mean not literally, but pretty close. Many people will question his size (5′8, 165 lbs.) but the NFL is built for speed, not comfort (like Dr. Quinn’s boobs)  Current examples in the NFL include DeSean Jackson, Darren Sproles, and Percy Harvin.  His stock is sky rocketing and I’m going on the record saying he’ll be a 2^nd round pick.

DT - Terrence Cody, Alabama Crimson Tide - I just wrote him in because rarely do you get to watch guys close to 400 lbs play football. He weighed in at 370 lbs. An absolute monster in the middle. Cody says he will drop 20 lbs. before the combine but for how big he is, he is athletic and can move. He clogs up the middle and will allow LBs to run free through holes to make stops in the back field.

S - Taylor Mays, USC Trojans - At 6′3, 231 lbs, Taylor Mays is like a LB playing safety. He is an absolute freak athlete. He runs very well and is a student of the game. He struggles in the play action passing game and some scouts question his football instincts. He had a down year at USC and it will hurt his draft stock a little. Sometimes Mays takes bad angles to the ball. There has been talk that Mays will move to LB in the NFL.

2010 East-West Shrine Game: Players to Watch

// January 20th, 2010 // No Comments » // Justice, Uconn, Uncategorized, wob

The College All-Star games are when a player’s stock has the most potential to rise or fall, as the speculation and evaluation gets harder with the 2010 NFL draft approaching. While the Senior Bowl is undoubtedly the most prestigious of the the postseason games, the East-West Shrine game is probably second — and is arguably the most important for mid-round players hoping to improve their chances.  With all 32 NFL teams in attendance, it is a week long showcase for players, so Jay and I are bringing you 5 players from each squad to watch…

EAST

1. Greg Hardy, DE - Ole Miss Rebels

Hardy is my number 1 player to watch on either team. Last year Hardy was supposed to be a 1^st round draft pick but he decided to come back to school. He missed almost half of the season with a few different injuries. Well now he is healthy and can show the NFL scouts that he can play at the next level. With a great game I think Hardy locks himself into being picked no later than the 2^nd round.

2. Blair White, WR - Michigan State Spartans

Former walk-on turned captain, Blair White, will have some questions to answer at the Shrine game. He had a great senior year with 70 catches for 990 yards and 9 TDs. The knock on White is that he isn’t that fast. He has great hands but will he be able to create space for himself at the next level?

3. O’Brien Schofield, DE - Wisconsin Badgers

Schofield was awesome for the Badgers this season. He had a great game vs. Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl where he recorded 2 sacks. He isn’t that big. He is extremely athletic and runs very well. Can he play DE at the next level? He may be in for a switch to a 3-4 OLB in the NFL.

1. Lindsey Witten, DE, UConn

Witten set the tone for pass-rushers in the Big East this season. He is tall and incredibly athletic, with good hands and an incredibly long frame. His brother, Donte Whitner, was the Buffalo Bills’ first-round draft pick out of Ohio State, so he has genetics in his favor. There are still some questions about his size and strength translating to the NFL in run-stopping situations, which has some scouts projecting him to play outside linebacker in rush situations as a pro. The Shrine game will give him a chance to showcase his toughness and speed and to improve his draft stock to the late second round.

5. Jarrett Brown, QB - West Virginia Mountaineers

At 6′4, 220 lbs., Brown has a great frame to play QB in the NFL. He is extremely athletic and has tremendous upside. He had an okay senior year, throwing only 11 TDs to his 9 INTs. He needs to show that he has the smarts to play QB at the next level. Can he read defenses and make smart, quick decisions? With a bad game he risks going undrafted however with a good game I think a NFL team will take a shot on him in the 5^th or 6^th round.

WEST

1. Max Hall, QB - BYU Cougars

Hall had a very good senior year as he led the Cougars to an 11-2 record. He threw for over 3,500 yards and 33 TDs. Hall doesn’t have a great body for an NFL QB. He stands just under 6′1 and weighs 200 pounds. Listen I don’t want to hear the Drew Brees excuse. (How Brees stands only 6′0 and weighs in around 210 pounds) He is an extreme exception to the rule

2. Joe Pawelek, LB - Baylor Bears

Pawelek was a monster for Baylor. He had over 100 tackles the last two years. The big question with him is his speed. Does he have what it takes to run sideline to sideline in the NFL? He has good instincts and with a good game I can see him being drafted in the 3^rd or 4^th round.

3. Dennis Pitta, TE - BYU Cougars

Pitta really has a chance to climb up draft boards here. Everyone has Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma as their top rated TE but after that the rankings are up in the air. With a good game, I can see Pitta climbing up the rankings board and securing himself as the 2^nd rated TE.

4. Darrell Stuckey, S - Kansas Jayhawks

Stuckey played well for Kansas this year. He doesn’t have great size for a safety but he is very versatile and isn’t afraid to help out in the run game. With a good game, I think Stuckey can improve his draft stock and move up into the 2^nd round.

5.  Chris Brown, RB - Oklahoma Sooners

Brown’s stock really dropped this year. In 2008 he had 1,220 yards and 20 TDs. In 2009 he only totaled 749 yards and 7 TDs. Now, all of that is not his fault. The Sooners lost their Heisman trophy winning QB and their offensive line was banged up all year. Brown will probably be a 6^th or 7^th round pick in the 2010 NFL draft but with a bad game he runs the risk of going undrafted. Brown needs to run hard and show that he can play at the next level.

Buffalo Bills Update: Dick Jauron Fired

// November 17th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Justice, Minnesota, Uconn, Uncategorized

As a Bills fan, I comment not on head coaches, QBs, or star players.  All of whom, in the past decade, have come and gone like the flu season.  Instead, I will be cheering on other Bills fans, a shared misery of the couchdom.  Countless Sundays left wondering, “Why?”  The best part of being a Bills fan? Inevitably, is, other Bills fans.  Misery loves company, friends, and in Upstate new york, there’s a lot to love.

Buffalo just axed their head coach, Dick Jauron.  Well, we’ll definitely turn the season around now.  Jauron finishes his illustrious career at 24-33.  However, the best (and funniest) news out of all this might just be this little tidbit:

[ESPN] “…Jauron was blindsided by the firing, an NFL source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter”

Blindsided, huh?  Well, I guess I can understand that.  Winning games and keeping your job probably aren’t synonymous in the NFL.

FULL STORY HERE

TheFatWhiteGuy.com Presents: WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S @ THE PLACE

// November 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // Justice, Uconn, Uncategorized

For those of you who don’t know by now (try and keep up), I’ve been part-timing at The Place (2 Broad St, Boston). In addition to documenting some of the experience (check here), I’ve also decided that Wednesday nights are my favorite night.  Smaller crowd, but plenty of talent.  In case you are looking for something to do on a Wednesday night, look no further.  Why?  Besides coming in and saying hi to me, there…well…other scenery. Here’s some of what you missed last week.

Justice Will Be Served

// September 8th, 2008 // 3 Comments » // Blog Justice Temple, Justice, Rob Lunn, Uconn, Uconn Temple, Uconn Temple Justice

It’s two days removed from the Temple game, and I think since everyone is offering their perspective on what happened last year, the media campaign that Temple ran, and this year’s game played in a monsoon, it’s time for an actual player to explain what happened.

Let me start by saying that last year, the referees got the call RIGHT. There was a referee not 5 yards from the play in question. Even though video replay shows that he got his foot in bounds, he clearly did not have control of the ball as he exited through the end zone. But like the face that launched a thousand ships, this was the play that launched a stupid media campaign (complete with billboards, poor quality YouTube videos, and Jello Pudding Pops–here’s lookin’ at you, Temple’s most famous graduate).

The slogan became “JUSTICE.” As in, justice will be served, the wrongs will be righted, and somehow this one loss is the most egregious for a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 1990. There were MAC officials making the decisions (not Big East bias here). And yet they put up a billboard in downtown Philadelphia, with the word JUSTICE set over UConn and Temple football helmets. They posted YouTube videos comparing the 2007 match up to Batman battling the Joker (read: THE NIGHT IS ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN…JUSTICE IS COMING). These videos were produced by the Temple video crew. It’s just incredibly disrespectful. If those clowns from Temple had lost to Penn State or USC in the same manner they wouldn’t have said boo. For one, I’m sure if they had lost to Penn State and put up such a billboard the Governor would have made them take it down in a heartbeat. That, or Joe Pa would use his superpowers to burn Temple to the ground.

It’s the same reason that when UConn beat Army in 2005, then head coach Bobby Ross issued an apology to all branches of the United States Military at home and abroad for the disgraceful loss. How was losing to UConn any different than the other 7 games Army lost that season?? Give me a break. But again, the similarities come from one thing: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. (Sorry, Aretha.) The national media hates UConn. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but you know what? Take heed Temple; you lost to the eventual 2007 Big East Champs, who went undefeated at home. Don’t start a media campaign; feel lucky to have taken the field with us. Bottom line: you lost, get over it.

Temple v. UConn 2008:
I never wondered what it would be like to play football underwater. Despite my lack of imagination I found out this past weekend. Don’t let anybody tell you different–it was pouring out there. Even worse, warm-ups were completely dry; we only got our first taste of the rain when we ran out of the tunnel to take the field. The only redeeming quality was that the temperature outside was in the high 60s to low 70s, meaning that it was only barely tolerable.
But I gotta say I love playing in the rain. It tends to even the playing field for athletically limited and genetically disabled persons such as myself. (Have you seen the title of the blog? Yeah…)

The game: Sloppy. The defense: Tremendous.

But I need to say, get off of Tyler Lorenzen! The kid is doing his best, and you know what, it’s tough playing quarterback. Add in rain and the pressure of blitzing linebackers and it’s near impossible. Am I making excuses for the guy? No. He knows he can do better and he works hard–everyday–to get better.

I loved the look on the opposing fans faces when we won. It’s some sort of sick justice (pun intended) when the students sitting behind you are yelling obscenities and assuring you that your mother is of questionable morals and then you go on to beat their team in overtime.

One Final Thought:

It is a pregame tradition of my mine to watch College Gameday before boarding the bus to go to the game. I put very little stock in what these “experts” have to say about the game, but it’s a guilty pleasure. Everyone on ESPN picked Temple to win. Corso called for “an upset in front of an empty stadium–Temple wins.” He was right about the empty stadium.

How can the folks from Bristol (only 45 minutes away) not be bigger fans of the big-time football happening in their big backyard?