Say Goodnight To The Bad Guy...

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade (not pictured) had each other's back on Thursday night.

It was beautiful to watch.

LeBron has something in common with the Cavs fans--- they both watched the 4th quarter.
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Cleveland brought their creativity.

LeBron brought his game.

Before the game, I facebooked that Michael Jordan would've scored 60 on a night like this.

LeBron had 38--- 24 in the 3rd quarter-- and didn't even play in the 4th.

I'm comfortable calling that a Jordan-esque performance.
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Best moment of the night happened in the pre-game.

LeBron approached the scorer's table.

Would he or wouldn't he?

Did he have the audacity to throw his chalk up into the air and make Cavs fans choke on his ego?

He did.

It was LeBron's way of saying--- whatever you want to do tonight--- I'm going to do my thing.
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But LBJ didn't go at it alone.

First play of the game--- Dwyane Wade gets a steal-- goes coast-to-coast for a slam.

Message sent by Wade.

We're a team.

We're here for you LeBron.

Doesn't matter what they say in the stands--- we got this.
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Admittedly, the Cavs are an awful basketball team.

The Heat SHOULD route them by double-figures.

But this was no ordinary circumstance.

Cleveland fans were pegging EVERY failure that their city ever had to endure--- on this one guy.

Honestly, it's time to move on.

A free agent opted out.

Happens quite frequently in sports.

Have a problem with it? Take it up with David Stern (I'm not going to humor anyone by addressing their stupid tampering charges--- Dan Gilbert is a crazy person).
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What's exciting about tonight is that it bodes well for the playoffs.

If you can survive a building filled with murderous rage--- you can handle just about any environment that's thrown at you.
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One of my favorite scenes in "Scarface" was when Tony Montana was dragged out of the restaurant---drunk, high, angry.

Others were gawking at him and he told them--- say goodnight to the bad guy.

He's the guy that others NEED to look at, point at, talk about.

Without the bad guy, people would have to confront their own quotidian lives.

LBJ was the bad guy in Cleveland.

He moves on with a virtuoso performance.

Cavs fans are now stuck in Cleveland.

Advantage James.

Calling All UM Alums....

Now that Randy Shannon is not pictured--- Miami must make a CRITICAL choice.

Are they going to be a part of major college football or are they not?

It's as simple as that.

Miami needs to hit a home run with their next coaching hire.

This cannot be done on the cheap.

To me, the key is to tap into their NFL alumni base.
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One of the biggest sources of pride for Canes fans--- is how many former Canes are successful in the NFL.

Every Sunday--- we see players proudly throw up the "U" sign during NFL games.

And then--- in the same breath--- we're told that the school doesn't have enough money for facilities--- doesn't have enough money to pay big name coaches.

It's a bunch of bunk.
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If those NFL players are SO proud of their school--- time to put their money where their mouth is.

Take one game-check--- put it in a fund.

Guaranteed--- you'd have enough to go out and get a MONSTER coach.

Is it Jon Gruden?

I don't know.

This decision is on Kirby Hocutt.
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As for Randy, he wasn't a good football coach.

It's that simple.

On gameday, he was consistently outcoached.

His players didn't get better during their time at UM.

We don't know about him as a "recruiter" because--- once the guys got to campus they were never properly instructed.

So how can we know if they reached their ultimate potential?
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To his credit--- Randy ran a clean program.

Players were not arrested and they received their diplomas.

That's great.

But honestly--- what's the point of running a clean program if the whole sport is dirty?

College football is as corrupt as can be.

The work-force---ie the players--- aren't paid.

Meanwhile, the schools make MILLIONS going to bowl games and coaches get fat contracts.

Miami can pretend to take the high moral ground--- or they can get in the mix.

That's the decision now for the school.

Do they want to be a major program or do they want to be mired in mediocrity?

I hope they go big.

7-win seasons don't do much for me.

STOP CHILLIN...

Chris Bosh put it best.

After a brillant performance against Phoenix, Bosh said--- we just want to Chill (not pictured).

He said--- Coach Spoelstra wanted to work--- so they met in the middle.

Look at what happened tonight.
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Indiana is a borderline playoff team.

They haven't been there in four years.

And yet-- with all 3 Kings healthy--- the Pacers WAXED the Heat on their home court by double-digits.

What the heck is wrong with the Heat?
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Injuries are a factor but not an excuse.

Udonis Haslem is out for a WHILE now--- which stinks since he's the heart and soul of the team.

He and former college roommate Mike Miller both have suffered long-term injuries.

That hurts.

But come on.

You have LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade on the floor.

You should be in every game, and in particular, EVERY home game.
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Wade had an awful night from the floor.

He was nursing a sore wrist.

Again, that's reasonable, but not an excuse.
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Somebody needs to slap this team around--- and not just mediocre opponents.

No more Mr. nice Spo.

He'd better learn from his mentor Pat Riley, or he'll be replaced by him.

Either way--- tonight's loss should never have happened.

I blame the players' mentality and that falls on Spo.

I Want Riles, And Awesome Decision Passing On Matt Ryan

I've often been accused of overthinking things.

I sit and analyze and then I go over the same thing in my head again and again.

Sometimes the simplest answers are staring you right in the face.

So allow me a few knee-jerk reactions (not pictured).
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Pat Riley is the best coach in the Heat organization right now.

Is that a crazy thought?

I know he's not coaching.

I know he's in his 60s.

But if you want to tell me that Erik Spoelstra gives the Heat a better chance to win RIGHT NOW--- you're lying.

Yes, it's great to develop a young talent.

Spo's a great story who worked his way up from the video room.

Time to go back there.
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Riley can take you places, that other coaches can't.

Stan Van Gundy was given basically the same roster with the Heat--- couldn't get it done.

Riley took over.

15 Strong--- Championship.

You going to tell me Spo is better than Stan?
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Riley's foundation is defense.

Even with the showtime Lakers--- who always converted defense to offense (triggering their fastbreaks).

The Heat team right now has no identity.

They have been exposed TWICE by the Celtics who are an ELITE, superior team.

They are sick of hearing about Miami.

Which is why Paul Pierce tweeted after the game..."It's been a pleasure to take my talents to South Beach"--- ouch.

Miami needs to gel--- but they need to do it under the man who uses lots of gel.
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The Dolphins have a quarterback crisis.

They kicked Chad Henne in the groin and said--- you ain't the man.

Let's go to a broken, surgically repaired 34 year old who throws like a woman (I happen to be a Chad Pennington fan).

The Dolphins passed on Matt Ryan in the draft.

Matt Ryan is 18-1 at home as a starter.

The Fins haven't won a home game this year.

I like Jake Long.

He'll block for mediocre quarterbacks for the next decade.
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Sometimes the talk-radio crowd and the masses react too quickly.

Other times, they just point out the obvious.

Riley should coach the Heat and the Dolphins were dumb to pass on Matty Ice.

Your thoughts...

Sour Note...

LeBron had a triple double, Wade almost had 40, Bosh played a solid game, the Heat built a 20 point lead at home, and they lost??

Huh?

That doesn't make sense.

Although the Heat were playing a very-well coached team in the Utah Jazz (not pictured).
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Most Heat fans haven't heard of Paul Millsap before tonight.

They know him now.

46 points.

Clutch shot after clutch shot after clutch shot.

It was something to behold.

You'd figure with 3 allegedly all-world players, PRIDE would kick in at a certain point.

ONE Player on the Heat would say--- back off--- this mofo is mine.

Never happened.
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That whole--- we must protect this house---- mentality NEEDS to be installed in the Heat.

And that needs to be done yesterday.

Miami needs to know.

No matter WHAT happens, team don't make 20 point comebacks in the Heat's house.

Shouldn't happen again.

They're still figuring things out.

They're still gel-ing.

But come on, that's not supposed to happen to this team, not now.

LeBron made Cleveland an impossible road stop--- same needs to happen here.
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End of Game situations need work.

TWO closely contested games have ended in 2 Eddie House last second 3 point attempts.

That's not a good shot.

That's not the right guy shooting it.

You can't inbound it to Wade? Come up with better inbound plays.

Spo, this is where you earn your money.

Most nights it'll be a cake-walk.

But against good opponent, you'll have to earn it.

Bring this group together and create a trust where--- Wade or LeBron gets the last shot.

Those are your choices.
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You know, finishing games doesn't just apply to players.

Fans who left with 5 minutes left, how stupid do you feel?

Sit it out.

Traffic's NOT that bad.

Heat tickets are expensive.

Enjoy the game.

It's not a Dolphins game where fans leave early because it's hot out.

It is climate controlled.

You're already out.

It's embarrassing that the Heat were playing in front of a half-empty (does that make me a pessimist) arena in crunch time.

Driving home--- how'd you feel as you heard the Jazz comeback?
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Finally, I hope Randy Shannon was taking notes.

Jerry Sloane is as good as they come.

And his specialty on this night was clock management.

Utah used fouls and timeouts, along with flukey threes, to elongate the game and give themselves an opportunity to win.

What a concept!

There's a reason they're good every year.
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I'm not bugging out about the Heat.

They're going to lose games.

20 point leads they shouldn't lose.

Home games they shouldn't lose.

And on Eddie House 3's they shouldn't lose.

Time to regroup and beat Boston on Thursday.

Why The Dolphins Need To Cut Channing Crowder...

I try to keep things light around here.

I like to have fun on the blog.

But I'm dead serious when I say this: The Miami Dolphins need to cut Channing Crowder and the NFL needs to suspend him for at least 1 game.
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There are two things that Channing Crowder is not: 1. A good football player 2. Funny.

We in the media tend to put him on television--- because frankly--- he's the most interesting soundbite in the locker room.

He's goofy, he's silly.

I've heard him described as playful.
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But here's what's not ok.

Cracking Anne Frank jokes after a football game.

Crowder claims that Baltimore's Le'Ron McClain spit in his face.

So Crowder was mad.

Here's how Professor Crowder was quoted in the Sun Sentinel talking about the refs:

“They said they didn’t see it,” Crowder said. “Then they said something about they let Karlos Dansby get away with a facemask before. Who the f— cares? I just got spit in my face. I don’t give a damn about Karlos pulling somebody’s facemask.
“Like they didn’t see Chad Henne get hit twice when he slid. No, no, they say, “Aaah.” Stevie Wonder and Anne Frank. Who’s the blind girl? Helen Keller, then. I don’t know who Anne Frank is. I’m mad right now. I’m not as swift as I usually am.”
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First of all, you not knowing who Anne Frank is, makes you moron.

I'm sorry the University of Florida didn't teach you anything.

8th graders read her diary.

Secondly, even if you do and you're just kidding, it's not funny.

She was hiding bravely from the Nazis.

You hide from making plays.

And third of all, I heard that he was quoting "Clerks 2."

Look, I enjoy Kevin Smith's work as much as the next guy... But out of context holocaust references don't work when you play for Miami--- a town with a very large Jewish population.
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I know the world has become too PC.

I know that people are too sensitive.

But Channing Crowder has gotten a free pass for his mouth and honestly, I don't think it's cool to joke about the holocaust.

Especially when you only make four tackles and your team gets their ass kicked.

Channing Crowder is a joke of a player and brings shame to a franchise.

I don't know which he needs more, sensitivity training or tackling drills.

Either way, he shouldn't be wearing a Dolphins uniform.

Miami's Quarterback Question...

Feels SO good to be blogging again!

It's been a while. In the interest of explanation--- I just moved and have been without high speed for a week.

The Canes have been without Jacory Harris for a week--- and looked good.

So, should the U stick with Stephen Morris (not pictured)?
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Here's what pissed me off watching Saturday's game.

Mark Whipple made a reasonable gameplan.

He used the running game extensively, and simplified the playbook to reasonable/makeable passing plays for the true Freshman.

And shockingly--- Miami looked more efficient.

Why didn't Whipple do that sooner?
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The old--- chuck it 30 yards downfield and hope the receiver makes a play-- philosophy, needs to go.

Miami's play-makers are talented (specifically Leonard Hankerson and Travis Benjamin)... But they're not Andre Johnson and Santana Moss.
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When Jacory stops seeing stars, I'm not sure if I want Morris or I want Harris.

I do know I want this version of Whipple.

I want the guy who doesn't try to get too cute for his own good.

I want the guy who uses his rushing attack.

I want the guy who doesn't encourage his QB to throw into triple-coverage.
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Now to the Randy Shannon issue.

During games I ask myself the following question: Do the Hurricanes look like a well-coached team?

When they burn all three timeouts in the 3rd quarter--- is that the trait of a well-coached team?

When they consistently have CRUCIAL penalties against them and constantly shoot themselves in the foot--- is that a well-coached team?

When the alleged talent level isn't close to the performance on the field--- is it a well-coached team?

You don't need to go much deeper than that.

All the staying-out-of-trouble stuff and the academic stuff are great.

That is, if your name is Donna Shalala.

But when you have an empty student section--- and a demoralized fan base--- it's hard to defend Randy.

At least the freshman QB looked good.

Are You Gel-in?

It may take a little while for the Heat to gel (not pictured).

Tonight in Boston, quite simply, was a mess.

On offense, the Heat had absolutely no game-plan, no way to attack to attack the Celtics.

Dwyane Wade played what could be his worst game of the year.

Chris Bosh wasn't even in double-figures scoring (which may never happen again).

And yet, Miami was only down by 3 points with just over a minute left.

Be afraid rest of the NBA, be very afraid.
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I was infinitely more concerned with the Heat's defensive approach than I was with offense.

These guys are world-class talents.

They'll figure out how to complement each other offensively.

That's not the issue.

My question heading into the game was simple: Will this team have the WILL to play consistent team defense, every night???

The answer: appears to be yes.
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While Wade, LeBron, and Bosh are all proven offensively, they all LOVE playing defense.

You can see the JOY this team takes in cutting off passing lanes, taking charges, and trying to run out the other way.

That's going to be this team's biggest strength: transition.

When it's going well, no one is going to be able to run with the Heat (not even the Suns).
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Look at the opponent.

The Boston Celtics are the most cohesive unit in the NBA.

They have a dominant point guard, who is distributing to four sure-fire Hall of Famers in KG, Shaq, Pierce, and Allen.

This team has played together for years (with the exception of Shaq who is a place-holder until Kendrick Perkins returns).

They were within a game of winning the NBA Finals last year.

It was in their house, one of the most historic and intimidating venues possible.

The Heat played like garbage for 3 quarters, and were within 3 points with a minute left on the road.
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Sure, the Heat are 0-1 in the record books.

Losing is never fun.

But Dwyane Wade played an AWFUL game, and Miami JUST lost.

How many times could you say that in the last five years?

It was Wade at peak performance, or no chance.

Not anymore.

This team won't match the 72' Dolphins for perfection, but I wouldn't want to play them in January.

Back In The Saddle...

Hi everybody.

I'm back.

Been away for a few days.

I've been in mourning (not pictured) since my Yankees were eliminated ignominiously from the playoffs.

As such, we have some catching up to do.
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FINALLY SOME FUN


Let's start with the Canes game this weekend.

There aren't TOO many X's and O's to take away from it.

The simple fact is this: The Canes had FUN for probably the first time all year. That's what it looked like to me.

The opening of the season has been a little joyless for me.

The opening game was meaningless. Ohio State was frustrating. Pittsburgh was pressure packed. Clemson was a struggle. FSU was an embarrassment. Duke was sloppy.

Finally, the Canes went out and had a good time.

The iconic moment from the game was Sean Spence literally SPANKING Brandon Harris following an interception. Doing the bulldance, feeling the flow, working it, working it.

I have a friend who has the AUDACITY to say that it wasn't worth 15 yards.

OF COURSE it was.

15 yards I'd HAPPILY accept (I know coach Shannon would not agree with me).

But it gets better for Miami.

There were players YELLING at each other on the sidelines (Vaughn Telemaque is quickly becoming a leader)... The guys were jumping up and down dancing to a song.

EMOTION, PASSION, dare I say it? A bit of swagger.

Congrats to Randy and the Canes.

They really needed that.
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TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE REPLAY

May I submit to you Sunday's Dolphins game.

Everyone always argues, "IF you have replay, it takes the human element out of the game."

Well, there was replay.

Many humans looked at a piece of video for the key play in that game.

They ALL got it wrong.

Replay isn't fool-proof and it certainly isn't idiot-proof.

Big Ben seems to get away with EVERYTHING doesn't he?

Still, the Miami Dolphins need to look in the mirror.

You don't beat the Pittsburgh Steelers by kicking field goals.

That's a great opponent with a bad-ass defense.

Valiant effort, not good enough.

Dol-fans should be pissed.

Dolphins players need to get better.
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BRONX BUMMERS

Thanks to Robinson Cano, Mariano Rivera, and CC Sabathia for making this Yankees season enjoyable for me.

They were the only three players who consistently performed and acted like they were ready to win another championship.

What a moment to epitomize a season.

The Yankees go down as AROD stands lonely at the dish, haplessly watching the 3rd strike go by.

It was a weak title defense.

They didn't even win the division.

Joe Girardi pushed just about EVERY wrong button he could throughout the series.

But even so, Texas was the better team.

The hardest part for me to take has been waching the decline of Derek Jeter.

Let's hope it was just a bad year.

I suspect it could be worse.
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COWBOY DOWN

Can't wait for Monday Night Football.

The Giants have the Cowboys in a position to END their season.

It's a MONSTER division game.

And I couldn't be more concerned!

The Cowboys have nothing and so, they have nothing to lose.

This game can begin their turnaround.

They are a team that's made a living shooting themselves in the foot (save me the Plaxico jokes).

But there's no question that they have talented players.

On the other hand, The Giants have a knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

However, I don't trust Tony Romo.

And yet, as much as I love watching him play, Eli Manning scares me sometimes in big games.

So yeah, I have no idea what's going to happen.
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GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT

As for the OTHER Giants, the San Francisco Giants, how can you not root for them? (other than being a Dodger fan)...

If anyone has a "team of destiny" look to them, it's the Giants.

They have AMAZING pitching, they are riding the hot bat of Marlins cast-off Cody Ross, and they have a bullpen that looks like a soup kitchen.

I swear, when they run out, I'm not sure if I want to cheer for them, or give them a sandwich.
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GONE IN A FLASH

There's something else happening this week.

What the hell is it?

Thinking, thinking...

Oh yes, the Heat open Tuesday night in Boston.

CANNOT wait.

Dwyane Wade said on twitter he will no longer be going by Flash.

I've been inspired.

Can you please stop calling me wonder woman?

Thanks,
The Management

My Irrational Love Of The Yankees...

It's after midnight and I'm having a hard time digesting the Yankees 8-0 loss to the Texas Rangers (not pictured).

Cliff Lee (who hopefully will be donning pinstripes next year) threw an absolute masterpiece.

It's a game that you MAY have expected to lose or at least struggle in.

And yet, here I sit at 12:25 disgusted and unable to sleep.
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I fully recognize how silly the love of sports can be.

In my mind, I can do all the jumping jacks to talk myself down from being upset.

It's just a game.

One you didn't play in.

They'll get 'em tomorrow night.

You can't win every year.

Doesn't work.
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To my credit, I've gotten better.

The year was 1995.

The Yankees had NEVER won a playoff game in my lifetime.

It was Don Mattingly's last season.

Game 5 of the opening round against Seattle.

The Yankees are UP in extra innings and for SOME ungodly reason, Buck brings in Jack McDowell to close it out.

Why?

Many people remember, Edgar Martinez doubled to drive in Ken Griffey Junior and end the Yankees' season in heartbreak.

What you may not have known is that a 14-year old boy in Hollywood, Florida dropped to his knees and wept.

I mean loudly sobbed.

I'm not sure if I cried that hard when my grandparents died (I realize how awful that sounds).

My parents gave me the lecture.

It's just a game.

There will be others.

You can't live your life like this.
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But I have, for the most part.

I've toned it down a bit.

Having a job, a girlfriend, and a life help.

But they're not the end-all, be-all.

The Yankees have carved themselves an immovable piece in my heart.

Watching their games is part of my identity.

More importantly for me, it brings normalcy and routine to the world.

The 162 game grind has them there for me every day, to follow the box scores, losing streaks, and wins.
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And then there's the baseball playoffs.

So much tension in every single pitch.

Each moment can literally be the difference between a season's life or death.

With the Yankees everything is magnified because of their payroll, history and expectations.

Plus, they're old.

You never know when or if these guys will be back again.

There are no moral victories in the Bronx.

You're either champs or bums.

There is no middle ground.
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And so I sit.

Staring at the beautiful skyline of downtown Miami.

My awesome girlfriend sleeps peacefully in the bed.

And all I can think about is why Girardi is throwing AJ instead of CC on 3 days' rest.

There's a reason fan is short for fanatic.

Biggest Game Of His Career...

This is the biggest week of Randy Shannon's coaching life at the University of Miami.

If he doesn't figure things out quickly, his job could be in jeopardy (not pictured--- his job that is).

After a debacle against Florida State and an unnecessarily close contest against Duke, Miami welcomes Butch Davis and North Carolina to Sun Life Stadium on Saturday night.
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Randy is 0 for Butch so far at Miami.

I remember being on the bus coming home from North Carolina last year, and one of the assistant coaches muttering under his breath 'I can't believe we lost to these guys AGAIN.'

It was a long, quiet flight home from Chapel Hill.

Jacory single-handedly threw that game away with several costly interceptions.

That was the game where he allegedly hurt his thumb.
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Perception is reality.

It might have been unreasonable for Miami fans to expect to move from the Big East to the ACC and absolutely dominate.

Maybe the standards were too high.

But, that's the way it is.

That was the expectation.

And Miami hasn't even been in the same neighborhood as dominating.

Instead, they haven't even made the ACC Championship game.

The quickest way to get fired in coaching is to fail to live up to high expectations.
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The path to that Championship game runs through North Carolina.

Both teams are 2-1 in the Coastal division, trailing Virginia Tech.

A loss and Miami likely won't be able to make the ACC Championship game.

The Canes still have Virginia Tech looming.

They play Beamer ball.

It's a style encompasses great special teams and a bad-ass defense.

What is Shannon-ball?
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North Carolina is a basketball school.

Make no mistake about it.

During my time in the state, the goings on of the Tarheels hoops team dominated the Herald Sun, Raleigh-Durham News and Observer, and 850 the Buzz sports-talk.

No one REALLY cared about football up there.

If Miami can't get past a middle-of-the-road, basketball school in their conference, where is the program at?

This is a hurdle that Randy Shannon simply has to clear.
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Miami had an expression that they used a LOT last year.

It was sort of a mantra of the players and coach Shannon: No excuses.

Time to live up that mantra.

A loss on Saturday, and it's time to update the resume.

Wear A Uniform, Win A Talkshow

I woke up this morning and thought it was 1987.

I kept searching for a time machine (not pictured).

Why was Melvin Bratton on the front page of the Miami Herald sports section?

Turns out, he had some harsh words for the Canes program.
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As I read it, I thought, jeez, slow news day.

Was Carlos Huerta unavailable for comment?

They couldn't reach Eddie Brown?

Perhaps Ted Hendricks had a few thoughts?

I let it go.

Later in the day, a friend asked me on facebook what I thought of his comments.

My response was: Why is Mel Bratton the spokesman for the 2010 Canes?
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One of the local radio stations has a policy.

If you have ever worn a UM uniform, you get your own talk show.

It's an interesting giveaway.

As such, I'm inundated with Michael Irvin, Gino Torretta, Randal Hill, Lamar Thomas, and Sebastian the Ibis. (I made that last one up, though I might give them an idea--- wouldn't be the first time).

What I've learned listening to these various hosts (besides that talk shows are for people who are you know--- broadcasters) is the following:

There is a leadership void at the University of Miami.
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I'll use the analogy of one my other great loves, Duke basketball.

Sure, Duke is a program proud of its tradition.

But, when they lose a big game, Christian Laettner isn't ripping the current guys. We don't have to worry about Bobby Hurley going off.

Instead, the man who STEERS the tradition and who built it, Coach K is the ONE voice.

That's what leadership is about sometimes, one voice.
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Now look at Miami football.

It's as if some of the guys haven't been told that the "U" documentary is no longer filming.

The voice of the program needs to be Randy Shannon.

He is a bridge between past, present and future.

But because 1. his team is not performing well 2. he looks at interviews as tooth extractions with microphones, there's no unified message going out to Canes nation.

900 former Canes have stepped up to fill the void.

700 of them have their own talk shows in town.
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This Miami program should embrace its past greatness and its former players.

But you know what's more important than that?

Not getting your ass kicked by four touchdowns at home by Florida State.

That should be a little higher on the priority list.

I don't care what the Class of 1986 has to say.

They had their time.

I'm anxious to see what the Class of 2010 is going to do.

At this point, it hasn't been much.

Miner Miracle, Major Splaining To Do...

Truth is stranger than fiction.

There was a man in Chile who spent 69 days trapped underground and that's not nearly the biggest hole this miner (not pictured) has dug for himself.

I'll leave all the other "up with people" and "we are the world" stories for others to write.

To me, the most fascinating element of this entire story is the miner for whom this whole affair, uncovered his affair.
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Yonni Barrios probably thought he would be lauded when he arrived back on the surface.

He was called the "doctor" and helped vaccinate the other Chilean miner's during their time underground.

What a feel good story.
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Ah, but it was that darned mistress.

She had to peak her head out at the exact wrong time.

While there was a vigil for the trapped miners Yonni's wife called out his name.

Understandable, sweet.

But wait, there's more!

So did his mistress!!!

Of all the ways to be called out for cheating!

That's gotta be on top of the list.

The producers for the TV show "Cheaters" should all retire, they're NEVER going to top that.

Goodnight everyone, thanks for playing.
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Let's compare that to other recent dogs in the news.

Tiger Woods and Brett Favre.

Tiger got called out because the sheer volume of infidelity was overwhelming and like an avalanche it finally consumed all.

Brett's incomplete pass included texting a dong-shot to a 25 year old girl who happen to be employed by the same company.

Those are brash, bold, arrogant acts that say 'I'm above ever getting found out'...

All the Chilean miner did was get trapped (literally and figuratively).
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Jacques Chirac famously brought both his wife and mistress to state events in France.

Oh those wacky French with their differing sexual mores.

Guess it doesn't work like that in Chile.
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After being rescued, who awaited the doctor?

That's right, his faithful mistress.

The wife didn't show.
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What I love about this story is it's morally complex.

The guy's cheating was wrong.

That's clear.

But does he get a pass for pain and suffering?

He did just have to spend months trapped in hell.

Some guys have to sleep on the couch for their misdeeds, he endured worse.

I don't know if Yonni Barrios drinks Dos Eqis, but he is, the most interesting man in the world.

Portrait Of A Programmer....

Allow me to be the first person to tell you "The Social Network" is an excellent movie.

I mean really good.

I mean, we'll be hearing a lot from it on Oscar night.

So I won't join the pile of critics telling you how great the movie is, no need.

Instead, I want to analyze the portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg (not pictured--- but impeccably played).
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In this culture, we're often told the benefits of a balanced life.

Work hard, play hard.

Treat your body well.

Work to live, don't live to work.

That's all well and good.

But the truth is, to reach TRUE elite status, you have to be insane.

From all accounts of Mark Zuckerberg, he's a programming lunatic.
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I watched the film and read Ben Mezrich's "The Accidental Billionaires" (which was a fun read).

The book and movie make it seem like Mark Zuckerberg was motivated by a myriad of interests.

The primary objective, was the same thing many college guys want, girls. Who among us didn't want to achieve greatness to attract a little attention?

Secondly, the film makes him seem seduced by the constant party offered by Sean Parker (portrayed by Justin Timberlake who has really developed into a fine actor---though he needs to make more music).

With his medusa-like hair and baller-lifestyle, we see Zuckerberg fall in love with the idea of programming by day, hitting on Stanford/BU co-eds by night.
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I think that's one way to look at it.

But I don't think the character is quite as complex.

I think there's only one thing that obsesses Mark Zuckerberg, programming.

That's it.

The dude was a hacker when his buddy spotted him $1,000 to build thefacebook; he was a hacker when he had a BILLION dollars from facebook.

It didn't matter to him.
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There's a legendary story about Bill Gates being in school, and searching the garbage cans of the computer lab for extra code to play with.

That's the nature of this rare beast.

You can't fake it.

You can't seduce it.

You can't tempt it.
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There is an inherent irony in a kid founding the most popular social network, who lacks all social skills.

But he's not just your run-of-the-mill geek.

I think the reason that we see Zuckerberg throw away his only relationships and his fundamental ability to relate to others is based on the fact that he doesn't live in this world.

His mind is in the programming world.

Throughout the movie and book, he's portrayed as obnoxious, flippant, defiant, and disinterested in big lawsuits against him.

One of his attorneys tells him "you're not an ***hole, you just try really hard to be one."
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I beg to differ.

I don't think he tries hard to be anything.

I think he's truly an eccentric.

They say Albert Einstein used to wear the same suit every day, because he didn't want to think about his wardrobe.

I put Zuckerberg in that same class (of obsession--- not necessarily genius).
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Money is a means to an end.

I don't know how Zuckerberg spends his (other than making large donations on the Oprah show).

But I think if he didn't invent facebook, he would've invented another amazing website.

Whether he stole the idea or not is immaterial.

You can give musical notes to a schlub or you can give them to John Coltrane.

I know my life has been vastly improved by facebook.

I'm glad to have lived in a time of such a quirky innovator.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm writing a screenplay about the founding of twitter.

OWNED

It was a tough night for Miami fans (not pictured) and a great one for Florida State fans (still not pictured--- you come up with a new one when your team just got their asses kicked 45-17 at home).

There's not much to analyze.

Miami was ABSOLUTELY OWNED by FSU on Saturday.

Florida State was better prepared, better coached, had better players, did a better job.
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For Miami, it's back to the drawing boards.

You aren't as good as you thought you were.

I'm not going to single anyone out, because frankly, everyone sucked.

The offense was awful and lost.

They were uninspired.

The playcalling was terrible.

Jacory's always hurt one way or another.
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The defense was no better.

The d-line was abused.

In a bad sign, the pictures of the entire linebacking core was on the back of the milk carton I just drank from. (incidentally, milk was a bad choice)
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Special teams? What special teams?

Bosher missed (wide left).

Florida State started EVERY possession in Miami territory (Reid is the truth and Miami's coverage blows).
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So instead of providing "analysis" when there's nothing to analyze.

I'll pull out a George Carlin quote.

I don't know if I'm QUITE as this point, but I can use a good laugh.

"I've decided it's not necessary to suffer and feel crappy just because my teams suck. What I do now is cut 'em loose for awhile. I simply let them go about losing, as I go about living my life. Then, when they've improved, and are doing well once again, I get back on board and enjoy their success. Yeah, I know, I can hear it: diehard, ***hole loyal sports fans screaming "Front-runner!" Goddamn right! Don't be so ***in juvenile. Teams are supposed to provide pleasure and entertainment, not depression and disappointment. "

RIP George Carlin.

RIP Canes' season.

Hamstrung...

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

Right as I was settling into my seat to enjoy the Heat's new dynamic trio, Dwyane Wade hurts his hamstring (pictured, well not his specifically).

Talk about sucking the life out of a building.
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First of all, that I was going to a PRESEASON NBA game in early October was unique.

I've been credentialed to cover the Heat since 2003, and I'm not sure if I've ever gone to one.

So, I'm walking towards the arena at about 5 (public transportation in Miami sucks) and I see scalpers.

That's right SCALPERS.

For a preseason game!

More than two hours before tip-time!

My favorite scalper was wearing a pair of handcuffs, while an undercover cop in a Wade jersey phoned it in.
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First thing I see when I get courtside to help with our liveshot is the following: Wade, LeBron, and Bosh all warming up together.

How amazing is that?

It's over 2 hours before a preseason game, and 2 of the greatest 5 players on planet earth are feet from me warming up.

After the game, Wade said that was the strange moment for him too (not seeing me--- being out there with his teammates early).

Flash looked at them and thought--- wow, these are my teammates.
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Finally, it was close to tip-time.

The building wasn't TOTALLY packed, but it was a LARGE crowd.

The scene that unfolded was surreal.

LeBron walked over to the far scorer's table, grabbed his chalk, and threw it straight up in the air.

Not to be outdone, Wade walked over to both sides of the court and raised his hands, getting the crowd pumped.

This team will lead the league in pregame rituals.
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The first few possessions, the intensity was tremendous.

You could see the Big 3 PUSHING for that highlight play.

Wade and LeBron had one fast-break, but they were so hyped, it didn't result in any points.

I was waiting for that moment.

All of a sudden, there was Wade grabbing the back of his leg.

He limped off the court and asked for a sub.

Not the way Mike Miller wanted to make his AmericanAirlines Arena debut--- I'm sure.

And just like that, it was over.
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I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure Wade will be fine.

The hammy probably needs a little rest.

Heat say they'll evaluate it in a week, Wade says it'll be about two weeks.

That's fine.

Miami still looked incredibly impressive with just LeBron and Bosh.

The number of skills in LeBron's arsenal is phenomenal.

He's a 2-time MVP, I'm not breaking any news.

I'm CONVINCED he'll average a triple-double.
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Still, the night just wasn't the same once Wade left.

Oh well.

I'd rather be disappointed in October than June.

I Went To A Football Game... And A South Beach Nightclub Broke Out

Here's all you need to know about Club Liv (not pictured) at Sun Life Stadium.

One of Dan Marino's former teammates told me that 13 walked him into the hip nightclub.

Marino went to buy four friends a round of drinks.

He was charged 73 dollars.

I'll repeat.

DAN MARINO WAS CHARGED.

Sun Life Stadium is located on DAN MARINO BOULEVARD. (the issue of 4 drinks costing 73 dollars is for another time).
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So as the Dolphins game started to unravel against the Pats, I decided to check out the club for myself.

Two important things you must know about me: I'm neither cool nor single.

So, I'm not exactly the target demographic.

Still, I wanted to see what it's like inside, behind the velvet rope.
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If you are a big partier, I'm sure it's cool.

There are plenty of good-looking people inside dancing to hip-hop.

There are monitors all around, with the game showing.

To sweeten the pot, there are INCREDIBLE club level seats outside connected to the club, where they have scantily-clad girls bring you whatever drinks you want.
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Still, what's surreal about it, it's a FOOTBALL GAME.

Only in Miami.

I went to Yankee stadium, where in order to enhance the so-called "fan experience," they give you more history, better sightlines to the action.

The only sightlines this crowd cared about was to tan lines.

75 Percent of the people or more were not wearing any form of Dolphin gear.

I'm guessing around 30 percent didn't know they were at a football game.

That's strange, but very Miami.

It's definitely meant to be a scene where people can be seen.
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Still, while I was there, I was excited to meet a celeb (ESPN's Kenny Mayne who was AWESOME!)

There were other celeb sightings including Dan Uggla (despite his 33 homers and over 100 RBI--- he was introducing himself to people 'Hi I'm Dan.')

Rick Ross and his posse had an area.

Remind me to google who Rick Ross is.
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I will say this.

Owner Stephen Ross has captured an element of South Florida that was under-represented at Fins games... People who don't care about football.

Is that how you want to pack your house?

It was bumping in there for an 8:30 Monday Night game against the Pats.

Let's check back when it's 1 pm against Cleveland.

And you wonder why Ross wants to only play 4 o'clock games?

The money-making club doesn't work at 4 pm as well as it does at 730.

Competitive advantage of playing a 1 pm game be damned.
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The real problem for Club Liv is this.

The Fins are 2-2, with 2 division losses at home.

They have a bye week before heading to Green Bay.

And the Heat play their first exhibition tomorrow night.

Good luck keeping fan interest.

Making Peace With Jacory's Interception Problem...

I'm guessing that I'm in the same place as most Canes fans concerning Jacory Harris (not pictured).

I love him, but at times, he drives me ABSOLUTELY NUTS!


Heading into FSU week, I wish I could say I'm fully confident in the Canes quarterback: I'm not.

And yet, somehow I'm confident in the Canes offense.

Does that make ANY sense?

Absolutely not.

But nothing about this Canes team is logical.
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Take the first half of Saturday's game at Clemson.

At the half, Miami was up 27-13.

Jacory had 4 touchdown passes (matching a career-high), three of them were to future high-draft pick Leonard Hankerson, and yet, I was annoyed.

How is that possible?

Despite the touchdowns, Jacory had ALSO thrown 2 drive-killing interceptions, one that was picked off in the endzone.

While most of us have NEVER read a defense before in game-speed, I think we can all see when the safety is drifting over and a guy is doubled.

Why can't Jacory?
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The 'will he get better' question keeps coming up.

Tick, tock.

Dude's a Junior.

He started 1 game freshman year, 13 as a sophomore, and now 4 as a Junior.

I think the whole 'inexperience' argument is out the door.

Sadly, I think Jacory is what he is going to be.

Can it work?
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The BEST analogy I have to watching Jacory is my experiences on Sundays, watching my beloved Giants.

Eli Manning does the SAME thing that Jacory does.

Rain or shine, big lead or not---- at least once or twice a game---- Eli throws a pass that makes a little piece of me die.

Death, taxes, and a dumb Eli throw.

You only have to hope that 1. it doesn't come at the worst possible time 2. it's not a pick-6.
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I think that's where I'm at with Jacory.

I've moved passed denial, depression, bargaining, I'm at acceptance.

My name is David and I cheer for quarterbacks who throw ill-advised interceptions.

Eli won a Super Bowl and a Super Bowl MVP.

Maybe Jacory can win.

Until then, I'll be the guy curled up on the couch in the fetal position saying "WHAT THE ***K WERE YOU THINKING? WHO WERE YOU THROWING THAT TO? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF *NOT* LOOKING AT YOUR PRIMARY TARGET?"

Football's bad for my health.

Divide and Conquer...

I'm not in Fort Walton Beach.

But from all reports that I've read and watched, I love what's going on at Heat training camp (not pictured).
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Here's the thing, I think it's pretty hard to mess up the hand that Erik Spoelstra has been dealt.

In terms of training camp, he has a group that is ALREADY bonded.

They are ALREADY friends.

They ALREADY have the "us against the world" mentality.

And most importantly, they're probably the most talented team in the NBA.
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Gotta Keep Em Separated

There are a few moves that have been made that are worth mentioning.

First of all, let's talk hoops.

I love that Spo is having LeBron and Wade work on separate teams.

There's a multitude of reasons.

First of all, those guys are CRAZY competitive with each other.

I was at the game last year, where Wade and LeBron went OFF in the 2nd quarter. Probably the highest level of basketball I've ever seen in person.

That competitive spirit is good for a team.

Guys on their team, won't want to ruin it.

Then, you get the batting donut effect.

Let them EARN the right to play together.

So when they finally do, it will be SO much easier.

Who's tougher to defend or be defended by than LeBron or Dwyane? (Kobe notwithstanding).
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Getting Defensive

The Heat's first few practices, they weren't running offensive plays.

Good plan.

This will be a strong offensive team.

They'll run such complex plays as: Give the ball to Dwyane, or Hand it to LeBron or the ever-confusing, Dump it down to Bosh.

This team can sleep-walk to 115 points on most nights.

The question will be: In the Eastern Conference Finals, can they stop Boston? In the Finals, will they be able to slow down Oklahoma City (thought I was going to say the Lakers didn't you--- I was just making sure you're paying attention).
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USA USA USA

Pat Riley's dedication to the men and woman who serve this country is real.

I've watched it first-hand.

Before every Heat game, everyone in the building rises to salute someone who has served.

As such, putting camp on an Air Force Base isn't a cheap publicity ploy.

Sure, it may buy the team a little time away from the crazy press.

But still, I don't question the sincerity of the move, or the positive outcome of the decision.
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Doing the right things, saying the right things, all well and good.

They say you should enjoy the journey.

Enjoy the process.

Sorry, that just doesn't fly with the 2010-2011 Heat.

As excited as I am about what they did in September, it's only worth something if it translates in June.

R.I.P Wildcat Offense-- Sept. 21, 2008-Sept. 26, 2010

We are gathered here today on a somber occasion.

We are saying goodbye to an old friend, the Wildcat offense (not pictured).

Wildcat, we loved you so.

You brought our town joy.

You tricked the Patriots and made the Dolphins relevant again.

You died tragically, on national tv, against the hated Jets.
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Oh Wildcat, you quirky little formation.

You were such a charmer.

I'll never forget when Ronnie went deep to Patrick Cobbs against Houston.

We thought you'd last forever.

Nothing ever does.

You will be used around the league.

But alas, you were just a gimmick play that helped a mediocre Fins team shock the NFL, win a division, and then get summarily crushed by a Baltimore team that simply didn't fall for that ***T.
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Before Brandon Marshall, you made so much sense.

The Dolphins best two playmakers were Ronnie and Ricky, why not let them handle it as much as possible????


Now, you have a stud wide receiver and a developing, talented quarterback.

The time for tricking people is done.

The defense may feed the wolf (a Sparano-ism for the uninitiated), the offense needs to feed the Beast.
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Dan Henning... Why rely on an offense based on the element of surprise, when it isn't surprising anyone?

Every time the Jets defense couldn't get Chad Henne out of rhytm, the Wildcat did.

The Wildcat will always have a soft-spot in the Dol-fans' heart.

But much like Old Yeller, time to tie it to a tree and shoot it.

It was fun while it lasted.

Why I Can't Wait For Jets-Dolphins...

As I've said multiple times on this blog, I'm a New York Giants fan.

And yet, I can barely sleep tonight in anticipation of the Dolphins showdown with the Jets (not pictured).

There are so many storylines to this game, that my head may explode.

I'd try to rank them, but what good is that.

Instead, I'll just lay them out and ask you to pick your favorite one.

As Mad Dog Jim Mandich told me on Tuesday, this is the biggest Dolphins game in years.

How can you argue?
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Return Of the Prodigal Son:

Jason Taylor talked a whole lotta ***t about the Jets in his time with Miami.

He was always good for a soundbite about REALLY hating the Jets.

You'd almost believe him.

Until, he decided to sign with them.

I don't expect loyalty in sports. Those values are long gone.

So, you can't blame JT for leaving Miami a second time.

But the Jets? Really? That just smells of desperation. Any fan of the Fins is perfectly within their rights to wish him failure.

I do.
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Marshall vs. Cromartie

Antonio Cromartie might not be able to name all of his kids, but I'm sure he knows who his daddy is.

That's because the LAST time Cro tried to cover Brandon Marshall, he set the NFL receptions record.

Well, Revis pulled a hamstring watching Randy Moss posterize him last week.

That means, Marshall is going to be one-on-one with a man he LOVES to torment.

How will that play out?
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HYPE VS HOPE

The Jets lead the NFL in hype, bombast, and self-esteem.

They sure love themselves.

Just watch "Hard Knocks."

The Dolphins are quietly and cautiously optimistic about this season's chances.

This trend is epitomized by the two coaches.

Rex Ryan: a WWE parody of a human being.

Tony Sparano: passionate, but doesn't talk about it.

On defense, you have a team that KNOWS how good it is, against a team that THINKS it is worthy.
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QB BATTLE

This question will be asked for the next decade.

Who is better: Mark Sanchez or Chad Henne?

Fins fans are down on Henne.

Clearly, the training wheels are on as the defense dominates.

Sanchez was proclaimed the worst QB in football, until he wasn't.

Was his performance against the Pats the real deal?
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Opening Night

On top of ALL that, it's opening night.

The Fins will have all their orange carpet hype and LIV nightclub debuting at the stadium.

Truth is, Dolphins fans hate the Jets and visa-versa.

This is a true rivalry when both of these teams suck.

Now, they're both good.

They're in the division.

A win positions Miami 2 games ahead of New York with a game in hand.

A loss and the Jets and Fins are tied with NY holding the head to head advantage.

I think you get the picture, this is a big game.

Can they kick it off already please?

Trimming The Stache...

Well that didn't go as planned for Dave Wannstedt (not pictured).

The Canes manhandled Pitt on Thursday night 31-3.

The game could've been a whole lot worse were it not for a few mistakes by Jacory Harris.

Pitt was BEGGING Miami to beat them 52-0, but Miami settled for 31-3.

But, in all, you can't be too dissatisfied with a blowout on the road.
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I'm trying to figure this out.

Is Miami's defense that good or is Pitt's offense that bad?

I honestly think it can be a bit of both.

Still, Canes fans HAVE to be feeling better about their defense today than they did last year or even last week.

Sean Spence was the standout.

He had 11 tackles and looked every bit as promising as he did early in his freshman year.

The question with Spence has never been speed or talent.

The question is: Can he sustain it over the course of a long season?
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Allen Bailey clearly is the focal point of most offenses trying to game-plan around Miami.

We have to double-team the potential first-rounder.

That's fine.

Vernon and company, door is open.

Props to them for walking right through it.
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Special teams are one of the true strengths for Miami.

Travis Benjamin SHOULD have had another punt return for a touchdown, but it was called back.

Lamar Miller gets you dreaming big every time he touches it.

Bosher is a stud, and does everything well (remember he was team MVP before---which also speaks to how bad they were at the time).
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So defense and special teams are sound, the team wins by 28, and the quarterback throws for 2 touchdowns---what's my problem?

Jacory's picks.

That's what.

They weren't late and irrelevant.

They kept Pitt in the game early, when they were doing nothing.

It looked like Jacory had pulled the pin out of a grenade and was just throwing it in a direction hoping to hit a target.

You can get away with that against an awful Pitt team.

You learned last week that doesn't fly against Ohio State.

Turnovers like that can be deadly in Death Valley.

While you like that he's trying to make plays, the risks need to be more calculated.
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Truth is, the Canes have 9 days off before the real season begins.

Randy Shannon needs a championship.

While the National Title may already be gone, I think a dominant run through the ACC would go a long way.

A bowl game after New Year's day, that extra practice time, and an ACC crown, that would be a step for this program.
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I keep trying to impart this word of wisdom to my friends and anyone who cares about the U.

It's a variation on Rick Patino's 'Larry Bird isn't walking through that door' speech.

The 2010 Canes are NOT the 2001 Canes and they aren't the 1986 team either.

Let's not judge them by that standard.

That's not fair.

Let's allow these kids to be inspired by the ghosts of Canes past, not haunted by their shadows.

Instead of constantly expecting Miami to do the same things they DID, let's evaluate these kids based on their accomplishments and celebrate those.

Tonight, they went on the road and kicked some major ass.

Let's enjoy that.

We Get It, You're From Boston....

I don't hate Ben Affleck (not pictured--- think TV commercials).

In fact, "Good Will Hunting" is one of my favorite movies and he has cred with movie geeks for his View Askew-Kevin Smith connections ("Chasing Amy" is a personal favorite as well).

So, I went in to see "The Town" REALLY wanting to like this movie.
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It was okay.

It wasn't bad.

I'm not going to pan it.

I sat there for over 2 hours and was moderately entertained.

I just wanted more.
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The conceit is interesting enough.

There's a small area in Boston (called the Town), where a large number of bank heists and armored truck robberies emanate from.

Ben grew up in that town, and wants out.

But every time he thinks he's out, they pull him back in.
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Of course, there's a love interest in the movie.

The way that part of the plot is crafted, to Ben's credit, is well done.

There's also good narrative tension created in the "will they get caught" vein that motivates the movie.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So what's missing?

Boston itself serves as one of the characters in the movie.

As director, Ben is trying to glorify where he's from, much in the same way Woody Allen tries to create his own unique vision of New York.

Ben wants the accents, the grit, blah blah blah.

It just feels forced.

There are times where I hear so many long "A" sounds that I wanted to get in my CAH.

I get it.

There are some mean streets in Boston.

It's a tough town.

Oh Ben, you're so working class.

I'll totally forgive you for Gigli.

Honestly, if "The Departed," were never made, I would've liked this movie better.

Are you really going to try to outdo Scorsese?
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It's clear that Ben Affleck isn't just another pretty face, and really does love movies.

He's clearly studied them--- ("Gone Baby Gone" was actually really good).

He's just hasn't perfected making them yet.

Can't Believe I Even Have To Write This...

You know... I thought about just ignoring the issue.

I really did.

But, it bothers me enough that I think I have to mention it.

This blog is to the IDIOTS who were sending Jacory Harris racist messages on Twitter.
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Hi,

Welcome to 2010.

I know you haven't been here in a while. Allow me to bring you up to speed.

Plessy vs Ferguson (1896) has been overturned. There was a little case called Brown vs Board of Education (1954) which says, black students and white students can go to school together.

The Civil Rights Movement happened.

Thousands of people sacrificed their lives for equality in this country.

Jim Crowe no longer exits.

We all drink from the same water fountains and use the same restrooms.

There was a guy named Jackie Roosevelt Robinson. He played for the Dodgers, he did this incredible thing, integrating baseball.

Now, in every sport, people of all races are allowed to play at the same time.

There was this guy named Doug Williams.

He was a quarterback who won the Super Bowl MVP in 1987.

Incidentally, he's black.

Oh, and I hope you're sitting down for this one, our current President, he's biracial.
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I know.

I know.

A lot of information to take in for such small brains.

But yes, our society has made incredible advances.

The whole offensive question of the "black quarterback" was a hot topic, somewhere around the 1970s.

Watch this "Monday Night Football" Open from 1973 where Howard Cosell talks about Joe Gilliam filling in for Terry Bradshaw...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOkgcFj6MJQ


We've all moved past that.

Remember, the clip was from 1973.
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I don't judge Jacory Harris by the color of skin, nor should you.

I judge him by the quality of his play.

Criticizing his interceptions is fair game, his race, that's not.

The only color I care about is the color of the jerseys of the guys he throws it to.

Last week, he threw it to too many guys wearing Ohio State colors.

Hopefully, on Thursday night he gets it to his teammates.

And doesn't let bigots distract his focus.

Brotherly Beatdown...

The Manning brothers (not pictured) met on Sunday night.

It was the most lopsided brotherly beatdown since Cain and Abel squared off.

After the game, Peyton took the high road.

He turned down an interview request by NBC's Andrea Kramer.

Why would he want to say anything bad about his brother?
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Peyton, are you out of your mind?

What's more fun than teasing a sibling, particuarly after a humiliating loss?

How is it, that I've never been able to live down some losses in Tecmo Bowl from the mid 90's, but you just kicked your brother's ass (in front of the country), and don't want to say a word?

My brother would've RIPPED the mic out of Andrea Kramer's hand and free styled a rap about being the superior Lang.

He would've hired a gospel choir to sing: "I'm Better Than You," "Mom Loved Me More," and "We Haven't Told You Until Now, But, You're Adopted"... and a host of other tunes that he wrote during the week.

The final score would've been spray painted on my house.

I would've done the same.
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See, but I think Peyton's a little smarter than that.

I think *NOT* doing the interview is the ultimate form of teasing.

Thought you'd pull a fast one.

Not only did you prove you are the superior quarterback, but now, you also look like the better person.

You didn't just get straight A's, you also helped little old ladies across the street.

I'm on to you Manning.

Nice try.
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To be perfectly honest, Peyton shouldn't be SO hurt that his team beat his brother's.

This was a regular season game.

They both have Super Bowl rings and MVP trophies.

Little brother will be fine.

I think Peyton made a bigger deal about it by NOT talking at the time.

Winning a regular season game is nice, teasing a sibling lasts a lifetime.

He almost made it seem like it was a bummer.

Please.

Poor Cooper.

The Power Of Q....

This blog is brought to you by the letter "Q" (not pictured).

It's a rating used to determine the favorability of an athlete, celebrity, or politician.

This week, we learned that LeBron James' so-called "Q" rating had him as the 6th least popular athlete in America.

I will attempt break down what that means to LeBron by looking at a few other events in the news and how "Q" colors perception.
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Today, Udonis Haslem was cleared of a pot charge.

He was pulled over, there was weed in the car, U-D said it wasn't his.

The state attorney agreed.

Throughout his legal process, however, people weren't THAT mad at him.

On one level, it was weed.

While illegal, having a little green in your possession doesn't exactly incite the moral police.

Secondly, Udonis had just lost his mother and I think people felt badly for him.

But most of all, I just think Udonis is beloved in South Florida.

He's a team captain and Mr. 305.

He's been the heart and soul of the Heat franchise for a while, and people simply liked him.

Imagine if Michael Beasley had been pulled over for the same violation?

The power of Q.
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Let's stay with the Gators getting arrested theme.

This week, Urban Meyer had his... what is it... 30th player arrested.

Chris Rainey allegedly sent a text that read "Time To Die" to an ex-girlfriend and has been charged with stalking.

Urban Meyer has two national titles.

So while the thought is naughty-naughty, no actions are being taken.

He wins, therefore he has Q.

If Randy Shannon had 2 players arrested, there would be calls for his firing IMMEDIATELY.

Thug U would be back, and Randy would be unemployed.

Different standard because of Q (just to clarify, Gators fans like Meyer the coach, not the person. By all accounts he's a surly dude).
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Derek Jeter did something shady the other day.

He was up against the Rays in a critical game.

A ball clearly hit his bat.

He acted like it hit his wrist, the Umps awarded him first base.

To me, it was sad because he's so bad these days, that's his only way to get on.

While there have been a few columns calling him "Jeter Cheater"... the outrage has been tempered by his likability.

He has enough stored up Q that while people roll their eyes, they don't REALLY care.

Substitute in Jeter for AROD?

Woody Paige's head would explode right on the "Around The Horn" set.
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I think you get the point I'm making.

While it's fine and even fun to be the bad guy sometimes, it puts you in a dangerous position.

LeBron James' margin for error in the public sphere is nonexistent.

The stakes are higher than he's ever had to deal with.

The sad part about reputations are they take a LONG time to make, and just seconds to lose.

Keep It In Your Pants Jets...

I'd like to say a few words about Ines Sainz (not pictured--- as if you haven't already googled her) flap involving the New York Jets.

And those words are: Grow up.
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For those of you know are uninitiated, where have you been this week?

Ines Sainz is a reporter for TV Azteca, a Mexican outlet, who wanted to interview Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (perhaps she was doing a story on how to get lots of media attention, without actually being good at football).

Sainz is a former beauty queen and dresses slutty.

So, you'll never guess what happens next?

Apparently, the boys started hootin' and hollerin' and creating an environment that made the reporter uncomfortable.

It got so bad that Jets owner Woody (yes, I see the joke, no I won't go there) Johnson had to call to apologize.
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Gentleman, this is an NFL locker room, not Shawshank prison.

You've never seen a woman before?

I don't care WHAT that reporter wears, act like a professional.

I've seen Sainz before in person.

She was at Super Bowl media day.

OK, she's attractive.

Who cares?

I still had a job to do.

Somehow I managed to not act like I was at a construction site (is that sterotype even true about construction workers whistling at hot women? Let's just assume so for the purposes of my argument).
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We've all been inside the Jets locker room this year with 'Hard Knocks.'

We know that they're a rowdy bunch and like to have a good time.

That's all fine.

What's not fine is to sexually harrass a woman trying to do her job.

People who are making the 'she shouldn't dress like that' argument (I'm looking at you Clinton Portis), 1972 called, it wanted its gender norms back.

Female journalists have just as much of a right to cover sports.

Even if she's being unprofessional with her attire, what the Jets did is still not OK.

Maybe if they spent more time working on their offense, and less time staring at the reporter, they wouldn't suck as much as they do.

Sid Rosenberg vs. Dukie Lang Round 2

For those of you who don't know the backstory... here's the original set of circumstances...

http://dukielang.blogspot.com/2010/08/radio-daze.html


This morning Sid Rosenberg was the media guest at the Miami Dolphins Touchdown Club.

After the show, Sid and I met (not pictured).
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I considered not talking to him.

Perhaps there was bad blood.

I didn't know what he initially said, but I got the gist.

He wasn't a fan of what I said on facebook.

But I figured, here's drive-time host in Miami vs. unknown ghost writer, what the hell do I have to lose?
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So I walk up to Sid and say, "Sid Rosenberg, Dukie Lang."

He immediately begins to laugh and blush a bit, like his hands were just caught in the cookie jar.

After a moment, Sid extends a big bro-hug and an apology.

'I'm sorry I talked about you on my show. I felt bad. It was my producer Victor who told me about it.'

My response was, honestly, I don't care.

I think it's great, but, next time you talk about me, could you plug the blog?
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We continued to talk about his show.

Captain Curtis walked over and told me, don't chicken out.

Sid said, 'Nope, he's telling me what he doesn't like about my show.'

I offered my main criticism which is, there's too much bombast. The natural silences are filled with 'me-me-me.'

Sid took the criticism well and with a great deal of humility.

I couldn't help but think of the Howard Stern movie.

On the air, Howard was as in-your-face and offensive as you can get.

But as soon as the red light goes off, he was just a dude.

Sid seems the same way.

He knows his schtick.

I think one of his greatest gifts as a broadcast is utter self-awareness.

He's positioned himself in Miami as a New Yorker, who is a Miami fan, but not really a Miami fan, who is a Giants fan, but says nice things about the Jets.

Basically, he's trying to be an instigator on the air.
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Off-the-air though, I can say first-hand, he's a man of his word.

Sid said he would plug my blog, and low-and-behold, first block of his show, Sid starts by giving out the URL and mentioning our encounter.

I may not always like Sid's schtick on the air, but as a person, he gained my respect.

Question to you blog readers: Did I let him off too easy?