Not a slow couple of days but nothing in the world of sports really makes for a good full length diatribe. So, I’m just gonna overload you with Bits today.
Bit #1: NHL Finally Gets It Right…one week too late
My post last week about the lack of a Shea Weber suspension might have seemed academic to many, but the conduct in the NHL playoffs since that moment showed how far behind NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan was. Since that moment, the rough stuff overshadowed the high quality of hockey in these playoffs. Like most trends in life, the hammer needed to come down eventually to impede its progress.
Unfortunately it took a concussion for one of the best to make that hammer fall. Coyotes forward Raffi Torres, perennial goon who chips in on the forecheck, squared up Blackhawks star Marian Hossa and decked him last week, leaving his feet and making contact with the head. Hossa had to leave on a stretcher. For Torres, Shanahan gave him a 25 game suspension, more than a fourth of a season. On this, Shanahan finally came to his senses, realizing perennial offenders will not stop brutal hits if slapped on the wrist with a 3 game suspension, even in the playoffs. While I can’t guarantee Torres will improve, Shanahan sends the clear message that dangerous hits will not be tolerated.
Bit #2: World Peace elbow clearly intentional
People can tell me all about how the Dirtbag Formerly Known as Ron Artest likes to celebrate big baskets by slapping his chest and swinging a little. He’s a fiery dude and gets into his second quarter baskets like he’s winning the title right then. This is the same dude who ran into the stands in Detroit and, for no reason at all, fought with Glenn Robinson, so I find it absurd to act as if his elbow to the head of Oklahoma City’s James Harden yesterday was unintentional.
The replay clearly shows Artest feeling bodily contact and flailing his arm in the direction of that body. Perhaps he didn’t mean to hit the head (the height difference helps explain a little) but Artest definitely wanted to get a shot into whomever he felt at his side. Also, if your elbow hit another guy’s head, you would know it and probably turn around if you didn’t intend any contact whatsoever. Artest, coincidentally, strode the other way to midcourt.
I’m not willing to offer a clear suspension suggestion, but he deserves at least 5 games, especially since Harden suffered an always-perilous concussion. The real losers are the Thunder who now see the most reliable sixth man out for an extended period of time. But, Artest cannot claim body of work to get out of this, and fans should not try to make that claim for him.
Bit #3: Difficult decision for Browns, but don’t have too much sympathy
Many wonder what the Browns will do with the fourth pick on Thursday in the NFL Draft. Should they take Alabama RB Trent Richardson, a complete package of running back? Or Justin Blackmon, the freakish wide receiver from Oklahoma State? Perhaps Morris Claiborne, the LSU cornerback of elite status?
Those are the consensus options for the Browns, who find themselves out of any surefire QB but well within the range to obtain elite draft talent. Sure, everyone feels bad for Cleveland, without a sports championship since the 1940s, but as great as a quarterback would be for this team adding skill players like Richardson would set the tone for obtaining a quarterback next year, or the year after. The Browns boast arguably the best offensive tackle in Joe Thomas but start a kick returner as their top receiver. Either Blackmon or Richardson would upgrade the Browns immensely. Minnesota picked Adrian Peterson after a dismal season and, one good quarterback later, went to the NFC Championship. The Browns need to make sure whoever they pick starts next year and can be reliable, because one good draft pick has a tendency to multiply.
Bit #4: What should the Penguins do?
My pick of Pittsburgh to win the East (a reluctant pick I should add) did not pan out, mainly because the Pens could not prove themselves against a bitter rival in the playoffs. The team’s identity, often centered around offensive skill, good two-way play, and stellar goaltending, disintegrated in front of the grit shown by the Flyers in the series. James Neal, a 40-goal scorer, spent more time running at Flyers than scoring. And he wasn’t alone. Malkin had one good game and, as I pointed out, Crosby could not hunker down to score goals, preferring to antagonize guys who ultimately played better than he did.
Don’t be surprised if the team makes some serious changes. I expect someone like Chris Kunitz, a bad penalty magnet, to be released or traded for a younger, smarter guy to play alongside Crosby. In addition, Jordan Staal, one of the best penalty killers on the team, might ask for his market worth in free agency, which would eliminate him from returning to Pittsburgh. With talent like Pittsburgh has, the focus must be on the playoffs and if they can’t get it done, changes will be made.
Bit #5: Manchester City controls own destiny
About three weeks ago, I proclaimed the English Premiership all but handed to Manchester United. Well, since that point, Man U has plummeting scoring less goals than there are hairs on Derek Holland’s upper lip. Manchester City, on the other hand, stands three points behind Man U and, should they win their next four games, City will win the EPL. While sometimes I feel foolish asking Americans to watch soccer, the last game of the season pits these two teams against each other. Definitely worth your attention.
Bit #6: Don’t sleep on the Spurs
Miami-Oklahoma City was proclaimed early as the eventual Finals matchup in the NBA, but it looks like neither of those teams will have the best record in their respective conference. While folks expected the Bulls, how many expected the boring as bark Spurs to hold the best record in the West with 4 games left, all while sitting their star Tim Duncan. In his place, Manu Ginobili continues to prove more points come when you’re bald in the NBA. Point guard Tony Parker should be in the MVP discussion, not to win but more to receive the proper attention from fans. While the Spurs rarely raise a few heartbeats, they continue to play like the less flashy dynasty of the last ten years, rivaling the Lakers as far as perennial dominance. I know it will pain you to watch them, but the Spurs might be around come June.
Bit #7: McNabb in the Hall of Fame?
All Redskins fans hopefully gnashed their teeth savagely at that title. Last week, Donovan McNabb told a reporter that he felt he deserved he should be in the Hall of Fame. From a numbers perspective, McNabb has a point. On the all-time passing list, everyone around him, most notably Jim Kelly of the Bills, currently has a place in Canton. His numbers are better than Y.A. Tittle, Troy Aikman, Steve Young, and Sonny Jurgensen, all Hall of Famers. But, while McNabb played well over his career, he must understand the numbers will not garner him votes. Jim Kelly might not have the best numbers, but he went to four Super Bowls (three of which I maintain he could not have won regardless) and played for one team his whole career, crafting a serious legacy. McNabb left the game fairly disgraced, benched in consecutive years in favor of younger QBs. If McNabb deserves to get in, Kerry Collins with more passing yards and six teams also deserves his space. The truth, however, is every voter remembers their last impression of a player. Maybe McNabb can use his numbers, but his Legacy of the Bounce Pass will not endear him to voters.
Bit #8: April 21, 1996 – Bulls win 72nd game
In 1996, the basketball world saw the best professional team ever assembled. The Bulls lost a total of ten games the entire season while winning the title. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman each made the All-NBA Defensive Team, the first time three teammates made the first team. Jordan won his 8th scoring title, the MVP and Finals MVP while Rodman contributed with the final lead in rebounds per game. Phil Jackson was Coach of the Year and Toni Kukoc won Sixth Man of the Year. Many loaded teams, including the Shaq-Kobe Lakers, were unable to match the 96 Bulls in their statistical ability and championship pedigree.
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