L.A. Pride is a true sports enthusiast.  A former youth, and division II assistant basketball coach, who studied the martial arts, he enjoys and follows all sports, even hockey.  His quick wit and insight brings a fresh view to the world of sports. You may not always agree with him, but you will enjoy his highly opinionated thoughts.

Is it me …

Or is it with great sadness we note the passing of Joe Frazier?  Former heavyweight champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier died Monday after a brief bout with liver cancer.   He was 67 years old.  Frazier beat Muhammad Ali, in what was described as the ‘Fight of the Century”, 1971, knocking Ali down with the greatest left hook ever thrown in a championship fight.  They fought twice after this bout with Ali winning both fights, including the ‘Thriller in Manila’ in 1975.   It was the “Thriller” that will be remembered as one of the greatest fights of all times. Neither fighter was ever the same after this bout.  Ali said after the fight it was the closest he came to dying.  Frazier did not answer the bell for the 15^th round as his trainer Eddie Futch held him back.  Ironically it was Ali who nearly quit in one of the earlier rounds, but was physically pushed off the stool by his corner.

 

Frazier will be remembered as one of the greatest and most courageous fighters of all time, who never conceded an inch in or out of the ring.

Is it me…

Or is the NFL season shaping up to be one of the most interesting seasons in a long time?  The AFC East has a three-way-tie for first place after nine weeks; the Bills, Patriots and Jets.  Cincinnati, yes the Bengals are tied with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North and The Texans lead the AFC South.  And the AFC West is a mess with no team over .500 and three teams tied for first; the Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders.

The NFC North is led by the undefeated Green Bay Packers; The Giants have a two game lead in the NFC East and the surprising San Francisco 49’ers dominating the West, at 7-1.  The New Orleans Saints control the NFC South, with a one half game lead over the Atlanta Falcons.

 Earlier in the year Eli Manning, New York Giants, was criticized for thinking of himself as an elite quarterback.  Well Manning has led the Giants to a 6-2 record and has orchestrated several fourth quarter drives that have led to victories.  He is playing like an elite quarterback and the Giants are in the hunt.  Unfortunately they have a killer schedule in front of them and it will require the entire Giant team to play well if they are to stay competitive.  But I have a feeling that they are up to the task.  Great job Sunday by Paterson’s Victor Cruz of the Giants; he led the team in receptions and was able to get a crucial interference call in the end zone.  Can’t wait until December 24^th, Giants versus Jets for real.

 NFL teams continue to adjust and shape their rosters;

A list of current NFL transactions can be found at:

 http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/transactions/

 Is it me…

Or did the LSU – Alabama college football game live up to the hype?  LSU went into Alabama and won 9-6 in overtime.  Enough said!!!!!!!!!  Now LSU – Oklahoma is being groomed as the championship game, provided both remain undefeated.  It would be soooooooooooo interesting if Oklahoma loses and Alabama runs the table.  Would the powers that be have the courage to let Alabama and LSU play for a national championship?  Two teams from the same conference in a rematch at a neutral site for all the marbles, great story, and great game.

 

Is it me…

Or do we need more facts regarding the Penn State “football” scandal before we fire Coach Paterno?  The sexual abuse charges against a former Penn State coach are very serious and are being investigated as we speak.  Paterno will be asked about what he knew and when about his former defensive coordinator and one-time heir apparent Jerry Sandusky, who was indicted on charges of sexually abusing eight boys over 15 years.

Our system requires us to wait for the facts before we throw Coach Paterno under the bus.  If he was involved in a cover up or anything else below board then he will be required to face the music and accept full responsibility for his actions.  But let’s not smudge his good name until all the facts are available.

Is it me…

Or have I been really good and not mentioned college basketball?  Well the season is about to begin and my beloved North Carolina Tar Heels are ranked number one.  The Tar Heels open their season Friday, Veterans Day, playing on an Aircraft Carrier, versus Michigan State.  Coach K., of the hated Duke Blue Devils will pass Bob Knight this season for total wins.  For a list of 68 things to look forward to this college basketball season, follow this link:

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/16023946/season-preview-top-68-things-to-watch

 Is it me …

Or is the NBA lockout about to get really nasty?  The owners have placed an offer on the table with a take or leave it ultimatum.  The players, who have until, today (Wednesday) to accept the offer, are exploring the possibility of decertifying the union and filing an anti-trust suit against the NBA.

You really have to feel sorry for the ushers, concession stand employees, and all of the ancillary personnel that are dependent on the NBA for their livelihood.  The only people making money during this mess are the lawyers.

 Note to both sides, a recent poll has indicated the majority of the public does not miss the NBA.  Hmm, do I see a long lockout?  The owners may be willing to bite the bullet to save money in the long run.  (It worked for the owners in hockey.)   Michel Jordan was a hard nose player and is proving to be the same way as an owner.  He is leading the fight to reduce the offer to the players.  Ironically, it was Jordan the player who got into a shouting match with the “greedy owners” during the last lockout.  The worm has turned!!!!!!!!!

 

 Edited by D. Pride.