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.

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.

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.

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.