Roger Goodell: Good or Evil?

Since Roger Goodell took over as Commissioner of the NFL, he has been a polarizing figure, splitting people almost evenly on their opinion of him. His proponents point out that he has cleaned up the image of the league, instituting harsher penalties for off-field transgressions and on-field performance-enhancing drug use. He has overseen the largest financial boom in the league to date, and has explored opportunities oversees with expansion, and at the very least, bringing the game to a larger audience. His detractors claim that his position wields too much power for one person to have; that he is overpaid for his responsibilities, and in extreme cases, that he favors stars and specifically, white stars over black stars (see the Michael Vick case & Chad Johnson's fines as opposed to Brett Favre).

Each of these positions have some merit (minus, in my opinion, the racial argument). I would suggest, however, that Goodell has been largely good for the league. That does not mean that I agree with everything he has done - quite the opposite. Among my complaints about Goodell are that he strung out the Michael Vick case too long (just make a suspension for a set number of games, don't do anything 'indefinite'), his 18-game proposal is bad for the league, especially in the face of overwhelming support contrary, that league suspensions SHOULD come from a committee, of which he has the tie-breaking vote, not just from him as one person, and, finally, some of the new rules he is pushing through the Rules Committee are just plain stupid. With that said, just because I disagree with Goodell on these issues, however, doesn't mean he's a bad commissioner. I, for one, love how he has cleaned up the NFL's image. Have you noticed that you see a lot less news stories about NFL players being arrested, or that players are less likely to taunt after a score, or that players that do get arrested are generally learning their lesson faster? I think this is essential for the league to continue to be the center of American sports. I don't want to watch a bunch of thugs; I want to watch athletes. I think that part of being an American athlete IS to serve your community and make it better with the resources at your disposal. Goodell has spearheaded the NFL Play60 campaign, which is essential in encouraging the youth of America to get up and be active, which in turn will make for a healthier population, and help to drive down healthcare costs.

Yes, I think it's fair to say that I'll voice my support against Goodell for many of the things he is bringing to the league, but just like a President of the United States, if you're intelligent, you're not going to agree with EVERYTHING he does. The question should be, do you think he's making the league better as a whole? Do you think somebody could do better? If so, why? Keep in mind, nobody is going to be perfect.

Final 4

I apologize for my tardiness. The Final 4 is set and for the first time in 13 years my alma mater Kentucky will take part. I am still on a Jorts high as Josh Harrellson has become a man! MAZEL TOV!!I thought about making the trip to Houston to hang out with the BBN but instead will head to Mecca err i mean Lexington to celebrate. But i didn't need to post for you to know I am happy and want the Cats to win. However I do believe the CATS will fall on Saturday. I pick Uconn to win the title 3 weeks ago for a reason. Kemba is the best and most clutch player in America. I just cant shake the image of the Huskies killing UK in Maui a few months ago. I know UK is a much different and Better team but so is Uconn. Prove me wrong guys, oh what I would give to be proven wrong. I like Butler in the other game. VCU is a wild card and I don't know what to expect from them. So Shaka will not be Shocking the world. Ill take Uconn in the title game Monday night. Now I know with this prediction I will hear it from a few of my fellow BBN members. If my fandom is put into question I will rip off your lips and wash my ass with them!! To Much? Anyway you get the point. I would gladly give up the 500 bones I win through bracket polls if Uconn wins to see UK raise a championship banner. So I will be sure to take some pics of Lexington after the Cats win. Celebration will be epic!!! Im off to watch the McD's game, aka the 2011-12 UK preview scrimmage.
Oh yea, I'm supposed to give Kennedy credit for picking one game right for a change. This from a guy who calls himself NostraKennedy or whatever. So there ya go

Overkill? I Think Not! Week 8

Jake Locker
QB
Washington
Height- 6'3
Weight- 228

2008- Yrds-2800,CMP% 58.2,TD 21, INT 11, Sack 28,Rush Yrd 388, Rush TD 7
2009- Yrds-2265,CMP% 55.4,TD 17, INT 9, Sack 19,Rush Yrd 385, Rush TD 6

Jake Locker was to be the #1 Overall pick in last years NFL Draft. He learned the same lesson Matt Leinart did. Sometimes more is less. The longer you stick around the college game the more people pick your game apart. I however still think Jake Locker will be more than a successful NFL QB. Jake has the arm, size, and athleticism to be a Donovan McNabb like double threat QB. He just had minimal team success in college as far as winning games. This because he decided to stay at home in Washington. Locker has definitely slipped to a 2nd round pick. Seattle will pick him if he is there. But I'm hoping my Cincinnati Bengals take him in round 2 after taking A J Green in round 1. But pre usual the Bengals seem to do nothing I want in the draft. Under the right system I believe the drop in draft status helps Locker. He will go to a winning team and have time to learn. This of coarse is untrue if the Bengals take him. I think the well publicized down fall of Jake is well over blown and someone will get a steal.

Bracket Pool Standings

Forgive me for not posting the standings until now. I won't be in the money so I don't care anymore. HOWEVA...three of you will be, so let's break it down. For starters, those in the money are locked up. Now we are just waiting to see who will win what. Listed below are the current standings with their point totals up to the Final 4, possible points, and champion. Current Standings:

1. 1st John Laz-71pts, 87pts, KU


2. 2nd Ben Northern-67pts-115pts-UK


3. 3rd Kyle Brown-63pts-111pts-UCONN

Laz and Kyle have the Cayuts making the Final 4 and playing UCONN. Both have UCONN beating UK, real cool guys. I better not see a single grin Saturday night if UK falls to UCONN out of you two. If I can't have hundreds of dollars thrown at me to soften the wound that would be UK losing to Jim Calhoun in the Final Four, then no one should. So it's as simple as this, if UK wins Saturday night, Benjamin Northern will finish in 1st place, followed by Laz and then Kyle in 3rd. If UCONN wins Saturday, Ben automatically drops to 3rd place. So if UCONN wins then, Kyle will need for UCONN TO WIN THE TITLE to win the bracket whereas Laz will need for UCONN TO LOSE THE TITLE in order hold off Mr. Brown. Easy as pie, right? I'm still waiting on money from a few of you, please send it my way.

I'm so excited...I'm so excited...I'm far from being scared

Saved by the Bell people, c'mon. My guess...probably designed by Jared Sullinger now that he doesn't have to spend time preparing for the NBA draft after being bullied by Josh Harrelson last night. Imagine what Dwight Howard would do to him, or Demarcus Cousins for that matter. SWEET FREAKIN JESUS, last night was awesome. You've read all of the better prepared and more informative post game articles already so no point in trying here. However, I will say it is rare to see UK as a true underdog and pull out a game they aren't expected to win. It wasn't beating Duke to go to the Final Four, after being down 18 points in '98, but it doesn't get much closer. I am extremely proud to say this is 'my team'. I SOOO wish I could see the grungy truck driver from the gas station that I met yesterday. Wearing his Ohio State shirt, the obviously well-educated gentleman approached me in my UK track jacket (no surprise there) to tell me, "Yer boys gonna get dere sh*t messed up tanight". There was a smile on his face so I didn't take it to heart and then he told me he was actually nervous, not because we're just a team of freshman, but because 'it's Kentucky'. I declined to continue in the conversation. To the grungy truck driver, where ever you may be, I hope your CB radio didn't drown out the sound of 'yer boys' laying an egg. All of that being said, I didn't expect the Cayuts to win last night, thought they could, but just didn't see it. ESPN told me they couldn't so... And with that being said, I fully expect UK to seek revenge on the overrated and over seeded Tar Heels. UK may be a better match up for UNC than is UNC for UK, but I can't envision this team's metaphorical chip on their shoulder getting any smaller. Last time these two teams met in December, both teams played rather atrocious. While North Carolina has improved and gained confidence after their embarrassing finish to last season, so have the Cats. Aroldis Chapman, I mean Josh Harrelson, had 4 points and 7 rebounds in their last meeting. Tyler Zeller's game is more finesse than muscle, unlike Jared Sullinger's which allowed Jorts to be more physical than he probably can be against Zeller. Even still, I think the game plan stays the same, give their shooters no looks and trust Harrelson can keep Fuzzy Zeller in check. Cats win by 7, sending them on to a long overdue trip to the Final Four. Who would've thought that this year's team might go that far and last year's did not. Just imagine if they freed Enes...

Anyways, this was not supposed to be a post game/pregame post. Remember that Division II basketball program, Oregon, and their new gaudy court? Well thanks to reader Robby Alcorn sending me the link, here are a few more innovative designs that you may see coming to an arena near you http://donahuemediagroup.com/2011/02/new-court-designs/. And in honor of Mr. Alcorn and to quote Coach Pitino, "Take a look if you have 15 seconds to kill".

23 hours.....

Bracket Poll Update Sweet 16

This picture doesn't have Jason or Brady in it but I thought It was appropriate because I have a trophy in my hand. I know Brady is in charge of the 1st annual BS NCAA Bracket Poll but hes a little distracted this week (get better TK) so I figured Id give the update on which of us you should trust in the future. I'm in last currently but don't go jumping out of any windows yet. You should not be worried because I have the best possible score remaining. The only Final Four team I lost was Pitt. I'm pretty sure most people were hurt by Pitt. Once again proving nothing good comes form that city(Coach Cal being the exception that proves the rule). Thanks again Butler. My Final 4 remaining Uconn,UK,and Kansas. So when UK beats Ohio St and Uconn beats Duke on Saturday I will run away with the money. Dollar Dollar Bill Y'all!. Now Jason is currently ahead of me and Brady but with 2 final 4 teams left and 1 of those being Wisconsin i think he will be struggling this time next week. Jason is playing the role of the Big East, don't believe the hype (BOOM ROASTED). Now Brady is a little more in my league with 3 Final 4 teams left (uconn, ohio st, Kansas). But Brady is like Jimmer, nice story but no staying power. So i guess who comes out ahead will come down to if UK beats Ohio St and if Uconn wins the title or not.Or Wisconsin will actually find away to score more than 40 points and Jason will win.I know ridiculous right. So pretty much just give me the title.

Overkill? I Think Not! Week 7

Derrick Locke
RB
Kentucky
Height- 5'9
Weight- 190


2007- Attempts-94 Yards-521 AVG-5.5 TD-5
2008- Attempts-63 Yards-303 AVG-4.8 TD-1
2009- Attempts-195 Yards-907 AVG-4.7 TD-6
2010- Attempts-166 Yards-887 AVG-5.3 TD-10

Ive watched Locke be an impact player in the SEC for 4 years. He has world class speed and showed it at the NFL combine running a 4.29 40 yard dash. People would question him because he came to UK as a track guy and is obviously a smaller dude. I think he has proven he can handle the contact as a smaller guy by playing in the SEC for 4 years. Locke was banged up his senior year and missed 4 games. Which makes his stats that more impressive. Locke will be more of a situation guy in the NFL so I don't see injuries being a problem. Compare him directly to Darren Sporles. A change of pace back that can be used on special teams. Locke returned 2 kickoffs while at Kentucky. He also showed the ability to catch the ball out of the back field with over 800 yards over his career. Locke was a great blocker on third downs in college but will have to prove this on the pro level. Locke wont get draft early but is a player to watch in the future. He will be one of those late round wonders.Plus I had to give my Kentucky man some love.

NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

Greetings! Apologies for my rather extended absence from Bottle Service, but I'm back and pumped for March Madness, NHL Playoffs, and the NFL Labor Negoti....oh...right...well then, seeing as March Madness is in full swing, let's take a look at the NHL Playoffs, which are set to start in less than a month. Today we'll look at the Eastern Conference. The standings as of today are as follows:

EASTERN		GP	W	L	OTL	PTS	ROW	SOW	SOL	HOME	ROAD	GF	GA	DIFF	L10	STRK
1	Philadelphia	71	44	19	8	96	41	3	4	21-10-4	23-9-4	228	190	+38	4-4-2	Won 1
2	Washington	73	42	21	10	94	39	3	5	22-8-7	20-13-3	198	176	+22	9-1-0	Won 1
3	Boston	71	39	22	10	88	37	2	5	16-12-5	23-10-5	213	175	+38	4-3-3	Lost 2
4	Pittsburgh	72	41	23	8	90	36	5	3	22-13-2	19-10-6	208	177	+31	5-3-2	Lost 1
5	Tampa Bay	72	39	22	11	89	33	6	6	22-9-5	17-13-6	214	217	-3	2-4-4	Lost 2
6	Montreal	73	40	26	7	87	37	3	3	22-9-6	18-17-1	200	185	+15	7-3-0	Won 1
7	NY Rangers	73	39	30	4	82	31	8	2	17-16-3	22-14-1	215	179	+36	6-4-0	Won 4
8	Buffalo	72	35	28	9	79	30	5	1	16-16-4	19-12-5	214	208	+6	5-3-2	Lost 1
	Carolina	72	33	29	10	76	29	4	5	19-12-4	14-17-6	201	214	-13	4-5-1	Won 1
	Toronto	73	32	31	10	74	28	4	5	17-14-7	15-17-3	192	225	-33	5-4-1	Won 1
	New Jersey	72	34	34	4	72	31	3	1	18-15-3	16-19-1	154	182	-28	7-3-0	Won 1
	Atlanta	72	30	30	12	72	26	4	7	16-14-7	14-16-5	202	238	-36	5-4-1	Lost 1
	Florida	72	29	33	10	68	25	4	5	15-15-8	14-18-2	182	198	-16	3-4-3	Lost 1
	NY Islanders	73	28	33	12	68	24	4	5	16-15-5	12-18-7	203	233	-30	5-1-4	Won 1
	Ottawa	72	27	36	9	63	26	1	4	13-19-5	14-17-4	164	223	-59	6-4-0	Won 2

Everyone is safe except for the Rangers and the Sabres, who still have work to do to solidify their spots in the playoffs. If you ask me, you're looking at the current playoff lineup as-is now, but Carolina, Toronto, and yes, even New Jersey still could make that final push. The strongest team throughout the season has been Philadelphia, and despite their recent struggles, they have to be considered the favorite in the East. The hottest team is the 2nd-place Washington Capitals, who seem to be peaking at the right time, but until this team proves they can put together a solid playoff performance, they are suspect. Boston is currently in 3rd place, and 1st in the Northeast Division, but this might not be true for long, as Montreal is almost as hot as the Capitals, and are making the Bruins sweat heading down the stretch. If you ask me, Montreal is just as dangerous as Boston, and these two teams boast the two best goalies in the conference in Carey Price and Tim Thomas. I will admit that I don't much like the Penguins, but personal feelings aside, this team has no realistic shot at the Stanley Cup without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the ice. Malkin is done for the season, and Crosby still hasn't played since sustaining a concussion in the game after the Winter Classic on New Year's Day. Even if Crosby does rejoin the team during the playoffs, I don't see them making it past the first round. The Rangers and Sabres are interesting teams. They have been on roller coaster rides throughout the season, and nobody quite knows how they'll perform in the playoffs (if they make it). I'm always one to look for the dark horse coming out of the bottom of the playoff standings, but this year, in the Eastern Conference, the top teams should reign supreme. It all depends on match-ups of course, but I would look for Philadelphia, Washington, Boston, or Montreal to come out of the East to compete for the Stanley Cup, with emphasis on Philadelphia and Washington. Boston and Montreal may very well face each other in the first round, necessarily eliminating one of them early. Philadelphia and Washington, on the other hand, wouldn't meet until the conference finals, as the NHL re-seeds during the playoffs. Coming soon, Western Conference analysis.

Jim Rome's Take on "Bracket Guy"

KB's world Famous Bracket Breakdown

OK maybe my NCAA bracket analysis isn't "world famous" yet, but I'm calling it that anyway so just deal with it. Theres many ways I could go about this but at the risk of tooting my own horn Ill go region by region. I'm a bit cocky since I called Kemba winning 5 games in 5 days (and ignoring the fact I just said "tooting" and "cocky"). Lets start with the East


EAST REGION
As many of the "experts' have already said on TV this is the toughest region. The committee did Ohio St no favors. This is the Rainbow Road of regions (That's right a MarioKart reference). I wont go pick for pick but here are the highlights. Clemson with a classic 12 over 5 upset beating WVU. I'm almost sorry to call this one. I would love some revenge on Huggie Bear for knocking my "UK Wildcats" out last year. But I think Huggins reverts back to his old Cincinnati ways of losing early in the tournament (sorry Nation if that was a cheap shot). The game to watch in the 1st round is Washington v. Georgia. I got the Huskies in this one but don't be surprised if this goes into overtime. And in overtime you got to love Isiah Thomas. Washington has made the Sweet 16 two years running, tough tournament team. COLD BLOODED!

Down to the real business at hand. At risk of being called a complete and udder homer I have the 4 seed Kentucky Wildcats making it through to Houston. If you have talked to me at all this year Ive been saying UK matches up great with the Buckeyes. There personnel is interchangeable and the Cats are possibly the hottest team coming into the field. Neither team is deep and both have freshman point guards. The big difference in my mind is Sullinger cant guard Terrance Jones. Jones has the ability to get a rebound and go coast to coast. Sullinger cant run with Jones. I am not a Lauderdale fan and think Jorts (Josh Harrleson) will eat him alive all game. I think UK has the defenders to shut down Diebler just enough to pull off the upset. Still not convinced? Another SEC team Tennessee, knocked out Ohio St last year and that was with Evan Turner. I personally don't think Ohio St is better this year than they were last year. I have UK beating Syracuse in the Regional final.

WEST REGION
Surprisingly Duke did not get a walk over to the final four this year. Weird I know. Now the #2 seed SDSU isn't much to worry about but my main man Kemba is, as seen here

I'm not scared that he and the rest of the Huskies will be out of gas after there epic run in the Big East. Kemba knocks out Duke in the regional final, with or with out Irving. The game to watch in the first round is Michigan v, Tennessee. Tennessee has the talent to beat Duke in the second round. But they are as big of a headcase as any team. Who knows if they will show up or not. Side note don't be shocked if Penn St slips into the Sweet 16. I'm not picking it either, but im putting you on notice. Also sorry Nation your Cincy Boocats get ousted by Mizzou in the first round.

SOUTHWEST REGION
Kansas is untrustworthy as the #1 seed but I do have them going to the final four. I'm not confident in them at all. Kansas get upset more than Paris Hilton gets laid. Kansas gets upset more than Bill Simmons tweets. Kansas gets upset more than JJ Redick gets crossed over.

Kansas gets upset more than well you get the idea. I like Louisville to give the Jayhawks a run in the round of 16. Purdue loses in the regional final. Hummel-less again, Purdue I feel ya. Not to sound like a hater but the chance of a giant upset here is Morehead St over Louisville. Now again I'm not picking it either. The lesser KY school has a beast on the inside and that's Louisville weakness. If Louisville isn't making there 3's watch out. Game of this region will be the Notre Dame Purdue in the sweet 16.

SOUTHEAST REGION

This is the Aqua-Man of regions. This is the weakest region of all. Pitt should walk to Jamie Dixon's first final four. But while Pitt is dancing on through look for everything else to go to hell. Florida is the most over seeded team in the tourney and will get bested by Izzo in round 2. Florida is a good team but soft. Utah St and Belmont both win a game to face off in the 2nd round. BYU makes it through to the 2nd weekend where Izzo again gets the best of someone. Regional Final is Pitt over Izzo. Personal rooting interest that I'm not picking is St John's. My main man Lavin has the Johnnies up and running. I would love to see them go one a run. ODU and Butler will be a slug-fest in the 8-9 game.

RECAP
Final 4- Kentucky,UConn,Kansas,Pitt
Runner up- Kansas
Champion- Kemba errr Uconn

Overkill? I think not! Week 6

Akeem Ayers
LB
UCLA
Height- 6'4
Weight-255
Career Stats
Tackles-177
Forced Fumbles-2
Interceptions-6

Lets take a fiver from our brackets and look at the best Linebacker coming to the NFL next year (assuming we actually have a season). Akeem Ayers is just a straight up beast. Don't let the fact that he played at a non-glamour school fool you. This guy is Brain Crushing 2.0. Almost identical stats as Cushing at a lesser program, Ayers nabbed 6 interceptions at UCLA. He has the motor of Cushing with twice the athleticism. When you match that with his ability to run a defense like Ricky Bobby drives his #26 Wonder bread car (of coarse I mean before he went all sheen on us and drove like my grandma in her underwear), Akeem is a cant miss. I look for him to go 1st rnd to either the Chiefs or Buccaneers. If he slips the Jets would gladly take him.

HEAD-SCRATCHAAA!?

Okay, so everyone has gotten over/reasoned with/and finally, agrees that the NCAA got it right again by placing UK as a 4 seed and Florida a 2 seed, right? Good, let's move to the rest of the bracket. So the selection committee doesn't put much emphasis on the conference tournament, but more so, the body of work by a given team throughout the season. UCONN is a three seed. I don't have a big problem with that because even though they did struggle for about a month, their wins are very impressive and what they did in the Big East tournament is near unimaginable, unless your name is Kyle Brown, who predicted this in his previous post. Nice work paaartnar...Since UCONN beat Texas during the regular season, I believe that is what bumped the Longhorns down to join the Cats as a 4 seed which moved UCONN to the three. Would you say their run through the tournament helped them move up dramatically? Syracuse, a 3 seed, had lost 6 of 8 games through the end of January and into February. Syracuse, a 3 seed, has only Michigan St. or Michigan to claim as their best nonconference win. Syracuse, a 3 seed, also lost their first conference tournament game. I guess the selection committee was looking at last year's resume by "mistake". Villanova's in the tournament again this year as a 9 seed. They have won 5 games in 15 tries since mid-January...I'm getting even more irritated as I write, but probably not as much as Louisville fan who watched their Cardinals fall from a 2 seed to a 4 seed because they don't have Patrick Sparks. Sorry, I had too...Dan Mink's Boocats came in at a 6 seed, which is proooobably a spot or two too high given their out of conference schedule, but who cares...You have to be a 4 seed or better to win the championship anyways, right?....Leaving the Big East, San Diego St got the 2 and BYU got the 3. Interesting that they didn't use the whole season's body of work, where they would find BYU soundly beating San Diego St. twice, but since BYU developed their honor code during the Old Testament, they aren't worthy of a 2 seed anymore. This happened to the Cats as well in 08' after Patterson went down (Meeks was also injured that whole season as a friendly reminder for the haters). Finally, UNC and Florida......., both are losers in the second round with the Heels losing for only the 2nd time when playing in North Carolina against UK's recruiting scouts, Washington, and Florida gets out coached by Izzo (who argue ably shouldn't even be in the tournament). Not that UK should be a 2 seed, but they sure as hell deserve it more than Florida, along with many more. Most every year after the selection show, I'm always left feeling angry and confused, but never has the best Sunday in March had me reaching for my Head n' Shoulders like this year's. It's quite a head-scratcha...