Brad Barmore on the Barney's Bums 2010 Football Season Part 2

Alright here is part 2 of my sit down interview with Brad Barmore on the 2010 Barney's Bums season.


Kofod: Brad how do you go through the process of player selection?


Brad: First off I don’t listen to any current players when it comes to player selection. I see if a guy can play, and then what can he bring to our team. You can never have too much talent on a team, but you can have too many good players. There is a difference. This year I brought in three new guys to the Barney’s Bums team. As everyone knows I have my own flag football league I organize, and Alex Wissman, my brother, and Graz have been part of that league. I have watched those kids grow up. I know they have a place on this team. Graz can take Billy Thomas’ spot. Wiss can take the spot Curtis had. My brother will be a utility player, will fit him somewhere on offense and defense. I know those guys will fit. But let’s take Player X from another team in the league. Player X might just be as talented as anyone else in the league. If I were to put Player X on this team we would have chemistry issues. Where would I put him to make him happy, and keep the rest of the team happy? That would be a problem. But I know with the addition of Wiss, my brother, and Graz that won’t be a problem.



Kofod: However, couldn’t you fall into the problem of too many balls for not enough players on offense?

Brad: Yes, that is a problem a team could face. I don’t want to get into a huddle and have someone tell me to run a play for them, or two guys bickering back and forth. But our team always gets pass little problems like that.



Kofod: How do you go through bringing back previous players?

Brad: First off after a season I evaluate each player, and what they offered to the team that season. Did the positives out weight the negatives? Do I need them back to be a better team? If the answers are yes than I bring them back. If not then I will not invite those guys back. If a guy showed no respect to the team, than I won’t show respect to him. But if it’s a veteran, a guy who was loyal, like Curtis, than I will call him and tell him of a more limited role as an option.

A lot goes into choosing the players that make the Barney's Bums team.

Kofod: Alright Brad I am going to name different players on the Bums/Witch Kitch team. For each player give me a sentence or two on what that person brings to your team.

Brad: Alright, shoot.



Kofod: Brett

Brad: Great defender, soft spoken. Great all around player, and will fill in as a wide receiver when we need him to.



Kofod: Buck

Brad: Loves getting the ball. I’ll keep giving him the ball if he shuts his mouth in the huddle (Brad laughing).



Kofod: Kase

Brad: Like the way he plays defense, don’t like the rushing schemes he calls at times.



Kofod: Neal

Brad: Don’t smash the trophy. All around great player. Play smarter and shut up (Brad laughing again).

Don't break another trophy with your hands this year Neal!

Kofod: Taylor

Brad: Soft spoken, gets job done, plays well.



Kofod: Doug

Brad: Talks trash. I like that he does that. Is confident not cocky. Doug is my go to man.



Kofod: Wissman

Brad: Gets down to it. Gets his nose in there, and is a tough player.



Kofod: Carl

Brad: Utility guy. Jumps in on offense and defense when needed. Works hard.



Kofod: Bruyer

Brad: He’s like Wiss. Soft spoken, gets job done. Can’t pull flags well, but he’ll always put pressure on guys (Brad laughing yet again).



Kofod: Tell me about the process of play selection, especially from other players.

Brad: Hearing guys tell me plays during the game is a no-no. The only guy I will listen to during a game on plays to run is Taylor. He knows the game so well, and he will talk about running plays for the team’s benefit. Other guys will be in my ear about plays for themselves. If they talk to me before the game, halftime, or after the game that’s fine. But not during the game. The only adults I will listen to during the game is Paul and my dad. I know those guys know flag football as well as anyone else. Any other advice from older adults I don’t pay attention. If a guy in the huddle won’t shut up about getting the ball, and plays for him than I will not give him the ball for one half. That’s my rule. It’s so hard to focus when guys are in my ear about plays.



Kofod: What’s your thoughts on trash talking?

Brad: I love trash talking. That’s the name of flag football. I love when Doug and Taylor trash talk other guys. Just don’t drop the f-bomb, or other swear words. There is a line and that is what crosses the line of trash talking. And taunting is bad, because that brings penalties.



Kofod: How did the photos from the calendar shoot come out? Do we have to do more re-dos haha?

Brad: No haha. Photos came out good.



Kofod: So what do you want out of these calendars?

Brad: Well we are hoping to sell them for about $12 to $15 at the most. Want to make a $5 profit per calendar if that is possible. It’s all for fun. I still want to get the whole team together for a row picture, like what NFL and college teams do. The plan is for the calendar to be ready by the time the season starts in September.



Kofod: How great is it to go the Witch Kitch after a win with all your teammates?

Brad: All thanks go to the Witch Kitch. They sponsor us, they’ll support us win or lose. After games we gets chips for drinks from them which is awesome. It feels like a family. Good to sit down, all muddy, with the guys, have some drinks, have some food, and watch the NFL games. I know Neal wants to add DG to that. Dirty girls for parties at the Witch Kitch hahaha!!!


By request by Neal this blog column is dedicated to Ruby. I am more than happy to oblige to this request. Ruby was a great dog that lived for many years. RIP Ruby.

Kofod

Brad Barmore on the Barney's Bums 2010 Football Season

College football and NFL football is getting closer and closer to starting. Also, not to be ignored, the United States Flag Football League is approaching. In the Southern Tier Flag Football League in Gerry, New York excitement is always in the air. Barney’s Bums/Witch Kitch Quarterback Brad Barmore recently sat down with me for a one-on-one interview. Brad is in his 5th year in the league and is the leader of the Barney’s Bums/Witch Kitch flag football team.

Brad Barmore the quarterback and leader of the Barney's Bums/Witch Kitch flag football team.

Kofod: Last year your team made the championship game but lost. What will it take this year to not only get back to the championship, but this time win it?
Brad: It’s a simple answer Kofod. We’re a better team this year. This year we have 4 guys on the teams that weren’t there last year that can put us over the top. My brother, Graz, we get Buck in the playoffs this year that is what gets us over the top.



Kofod: Is this season a failure if you don’t win the championship?

Brad: Yes we won’t accept anything less. I want to win every single game by a touchdown. I want the team to go undefeated. I want no interceptions thrown by me. Whenever someone talks about flag football I think about that championship game last year, and we must do better this year.

For the Barney's Bums the pressure is on to win a championship in the 2010 season.

Kofod: What would it mean to you to win a  flag football championship?

Brad: It would be huge. Since I was 7 or 8, I always wanted to win the flag football championship.



Kofod: You and Kase watch a lot film of the games. What do you get out of watching fim?

Brad: A couple of laughs. It hilarious to watch Taylor yelling at everyone! We get to see plays done by other teams. I can see weaknesses of what the team and personally I did wrong.



Kofod: Do you try to model you game after someone?

Brad: I just try to be myself. I know I’m not much of a quarterback (Brad laughing). Smartest thing I can do is just get the ball to Buck.



Kofod: What needs to improve on defense?

Brad: Three things Kofod. One we can’t give quarterbacks second chances. We have to sack the quarterback the first time we get the chance. Second is besides the quarterback we just need to pull flags on everyone. Missed flags are killers. They are terrible. Third is we need to shut down team Robo.



Kofod: Who’s the team to beat in the league?

Brad: Robo is the team to beat.



Kofod: Who’s the best player in the Southern Tier Flag Football League?

Brad: I would say it’d be a tie between three guys. Dusty Carlson, Buck, or Doug Baker. You can’t go wrong with any of those guys.



Kofod: Who’s the best player on the Barney’s Bums?

Brad: Buck. We win when he plays well.



Kofod: Who’s the one player on the Barney’s Bums that other teams may overlook but is a guy you can’t win without?

Brad: I’d have to say Taylor. He’s the center, he makes smart decisions. He’ll make 5 great plays a game every time out. He’s humble about it too. Never takes credit for it, makes it all about the team.



Kofod: Big news is circulating on the Barney’s Bums uniform change. Word is the current red Barney’s Bums t-shirt is now going to be a retro jersey. What can you tell us about possible uniform changes?


Brad: Well Doug wants a black uniform. I want a red uniform. We’ll use a different and new logo. One t-shirt will have a logo of the Witch Kitch since that is our big sponsor. I also want to get a pink t-shirt to wear for one game to support Breast Cancer Awareness. We’re looking at getting shorts too. Nothing is officially set in stone yet, but it does look like uniform changes will probably happen.



Kofod: Alright Brad will finish this interview on a lighter note. What were you thinking when you watched Neal throw the regular season first place trophy to the ground and break it?

Brad: I’m saying “what the hell are you doing!” In my mind I’m thinking why would he do that? I did not know if he meant to do it, if it was an accident, what? Was he mad? I still don’t know to this day why he did it! I looked at it with humor, and amazement. It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen!



Kofod

32 Teams, 32 Questions Heading Into NFL Training Camp and Preseason

NFL Training Camps and Preseason games are upon us. So I have a question for each of the 32 teams as they head into camp and into the regular season.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: Who will emerge as the Bills starting quarterback?

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards have had their chance. And both have failed. So will Chan Gailey go back to the well with one of these quarterbacks? Or will Chan Gailey go with Brian Brohm? And can 7th round pick Levi Brown make the roster? My predictions are Brohm is the starting quarterback for the Bills to start the regular season and Levi Brown does make the roster.

Brian Brohm has a great shot to be the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills?

New England Patriots: When will New England give Tom Brady a new contract?

Not only when, but how much is the question here. Will Tom Brady get paid big bucks, or will Brady take another pay cut for the Patriots? And will this contract finally put disputes between Tom Brady and Patriots management to rest?

New York Jets: How will LaDainian Tomlinson fit in the Jets offense?

Will Tomlinson truly get 15 carries a game like Rex Ryan said? Or will be just be a third down back? And can LT find any of that old magic? I think LT will be a completely failure for the Jets. But we shall see.

Miami Dolphins: How successful will the Miami Dolphins be in running the Wildcat with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and throwing the ball with Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall?

I think this offense will be very successful. I think Brown and Williams will continue to flourish running the ball for the Dolphins. And Brandon Marshall will be happy and content in Miami and will make Chad Henne a better quarterback.

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers: Can Dennis Dixon beat out Byron Leftwich for the Steelers starting quarterback spot?

Remember Big Ben is suspended for at least the first 4 Steelers games, and possibly six. So the Steelers will put Byron Leftwich as the starter to begin the season. However, Dennis Dixon could possibly beat out Leftwich for the job. Dixon played pretty well in that Sunday night game at Baltimore last season. And for those of us who remember his days with Oregon this is a guy with a tremendous amount of athleticism.

Cincinnati Bengals: Will Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco be able to reignite the passing game for the Bengals?

Carson Palmer’s stats last season were pretty good. He had 21 TD with 13 INT. And he threw for 3,094 yards. But anyone could see that last year the Bengals won with their defense, and with the running of Cedric Benson. It seemed often times Palmer and the Bengals passing game was struggling greatly. So it’s up to Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco to find each other, and get the Bengals passing game back to the 2005-2006 days.

Baltimore Ravens: Is Anquan Boldin the final piece needed to get the Ravens back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2000 season?

For everyone that thinks Anquan Boldin will not be the same with Larry Fitzgerald remember Boldin had 101 catches his rookie year without Fitzgerald, and without Kurt Warner throwing to him. Now you put Boldin in an offense with Joe Flacco, a running game of Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, and of course that Ravens defense and it seems Boldin may in fact be the final missing piece for the Ravens to get back to the Super Bowl.

Is Anquan Boldin the final piece Ray Lewis needs to get the Ravens back to the Super Bowl?

 

Cleveland Browns: Can Jake Delhomme find some magic one final time?

Delhomme had the worst playoff performance ever by a QB in the 2008 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Cardinals. Since then his career has completely taken a nose dive. It reminded me of Kurt Warner who had a similar fall with the Rams, and then the Giants, before he came back to prominence again with the Arizona Cardinals. Is there anyway Delhomme can find the magic he had when he lead Carolina to Super Bowl XXXVIII? If he can the fans of Cleveland can smile for the first time in a long time. And after all the LeBron stuff, Cleveland needs a reason to smile.

AFC South

Houston Texans: Is this finally THE YEAR for the Texans?

Every year it seems the Texans will finally do it. Just like it seemed every year the Cardinals with Fitzgerald, Boldin, and Warner would finally break through. Then 2008 and Super Bowl XLIII happened. Can 2010 finally be the year for Steve Slaton, Andre Johnson, Mario Williams, and the Texans?

Indianapolis Colts: Can the Colts find a sustainable working running game?

It wasn’t until the Super Bowl that Joseph Addai awoke his dead corpse to have a great game. Last year Peyton Manning and the Colts offense thrived without a sustainable running game. Imagine if the Colts can get anything out of Addai or any of their other running backs this year?

Jacksonville Jaguars: Can David Garrard return to his 2007 form?

In 2007 David Garrard threw for 18 touchdowns and 3 interceptions and was sacked 21 times. The Jaguars made the Divisional Playoffs that year. In 2008 David Garrard threw for 15 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and was sacked 42 times. The Jaguars did not make the playoffs. In 2009 David Garrard threw for 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions and was sacked 42 times. Needless to say if David Garrard can cut down on his interceptions and sacks it will be a good year for the Jaguars. If he can’t than the Jags will probably miss the playoffs again and cost him and Jack Del Rio their jobs.

Tennessee Titans: Can Vince Young settle down and be a dependable week in and week out starting quarterback for the Titans?

He’s whined, he’s been potentially suicidal, he lost the team’s trust, he regained the team’s trust, and now he gets into a fight at a Austin strip club, because some Oklahoma fan flashed him an upside down Hook Em' Horns sign. Frankly I think Roger Goodell should suspend him for a few games. I don’t think that will happen. But now is the time for Vince Young to get his act together. If he can be reliable for the Titans, then you add Chris Johnson, and the Titans will be awfully hard to beat.

AFC West

Oakland Raiders: Will Jason Campbell finally find bliss in Oakland?

The Oakland Raiders have had a history of going with “journeyman” quarterbacks to turn the franchise around. It worked for George Blanda, and Jim Plunkett. It did not work out so well with Jeff George, and Kerry Collins. Campbell has gone through countless number of offensive coordinators at Washington, and berating from Redskins fans. If Campbell can find peace in Oakland (talk about irony there) then the Raiders have a chance to greatly improve and compete for a playoff spot.

Denver Broncos: Who will be the first, second, and third string quarterbacks for the Broncos?

Everyone knows Tim Tebow is now in Denver. But don’t forget they still have Kyle Orton, and Brady Quinn. The future of the team is clearly Tebow. But what about the present? If I’m Denver I seriously consider starting Quinn at the beginning of the season to see if he can get any magic going. He only started a handful of games with Cleveland so I think the jury is still out on how good Quinn could be. I doubt Josh McDaniels will do this though. I think he will go with Orton #1, Tebow #2, and Quinn #3. It certainly will be interesting to watch no matter what order he goes with.

San Diego Chargers: Can Shawne Merriman return to his “lights out” form with the Chargers?

In 2005 Merriman had 10 sacks. In 2006 he had 17 sacks. In 2007 he had 12.5 sacks. After missing the 2008 season he had only 4 sacks in 2009 and his tackle totals were almost half of what they once were. This is a guy who tested positive for steroids, who complains all the time, who does that stupid “Lights Out” dance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B4Fo5gtonk , and associates himself with Tila Tequila. Look if you are getting 12-17 sacks a season than any team can look past all those problems. But 4 sacks and you will not last long. This is the make or break season for Merriman with the Chargers.

Kansas City Chiefs: Can the Chiefs find an identity?

Is Matt Cassel a true dependable starting QB in the NFL or was his 2008 season for the Patriots just a fluke? Can Jamaal Charles be a star RB for the Chiefs? Will Dwayne Bowe be in shape for the whole season and not whine and complain? And who will step up to create a presence on defense for the Chiefs? Coach Todd Haley desperately needs to find an identity to this team or else he will be spending a lot more time in the Bemus Village Casino than he would like.

NFC East

New York Giants: How Perry Fewell’s defense work with the Giants?

I was not a big fan of Fewell as defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. I certainly was not a fan of Fewell as interim head coach of the Bills. I’m glad he’s gone. Saying all that, however, I think Fewell just might be what the Giants need. The Giants certainly have talent on defense. But they underachieved massively under defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan last season. It was clear the Giants missed former defensive coordinator, and now current Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo. If Fewell can fill that void left by Spagnuolo than the Giants will be a playoff team. If not then the playoffs will be an afterthought, as will be the tenure of Giants coach Tom Coughlin.

Philadelphia Eagles: How good can Kevin Colb be?

Whether you agree or disagree with how Philly handled Donovan McNabb the fact is Kevin Colb is now the guy for the Eagles. His success will determine how good they can be. I think he will have his ups and downs in 2010 and Philly will miss the playoffs. I think 2011 and 2012 will be the years the Eagles and Colb can think playoffs and possibly a Super Bowl.

Washington Redskins: Who will be the Redskins starting running back?

I expect Donovan McNabb to play well. So that is not my question for this team. I want to look at the running backs. Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, and Willie Parker will all be vying to be the starting running back for the Redskins. If Washington can get a consistent running game from one of those running backs than the Redskins will be in playoff contention all season.

Dallas Cowboys: Will Dez Bryant fit in with the Cowboys?

Dallas has had a long history of drafting and trading for start type players and personalities. Bryant certainly fits that personality mode. Can he fit the player part? He has all the talent in the world. But his maturity will be a huge factor. If Dallas can control that than add Miles Austin, and Roy Williams as a third receiver and holy cow does Dallas have a great receiving core!

Dez Bryant has all the phyiscal tools. But does he have the mental tools to succeed?

NFC North

Green Bay Packers: Will the offensive line improve from last year?

Aaron Rodgers was sacked 50 times last year. And yet he still had 30 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. If the Packers O-Line can do a better job of protecting Aaron Rodgers than the Super Bowl is certainly in reach for this Packers team.

Chicago Bears: Can Jay Cutler flourish in a Mike Martz offense?

He certainly has the arm to make the throws in a Mike Martz offense. But does he have the intellect (i.e. see Kurt Warner), and the toughness to take hit after hit (i.e. see Kurt Warner) to truly flourish under a Mike Martz offense. If Cutler does than watch out the Bears could be the surprise team of the year.

Detroit Lions: Is Ndamukong Suh going to be as dominant in the NFL as he was in college?

He was so good last year for Nebraska at DT that he was named the College Football Player of the Decade by Sports Illustrated. So can he be that good in the NFL? Especially on the Lions? I say yes! I think he and Mount Cody were two DT studs and both will have great careers. The Lions are a year or two away from the playoffs as long as Matthew Stafford continues to improve. Believe that!

Minnesota Vikings: When exactly will Brett Favre show up?

Does anybody really think he is not coming back? The question is when. Will it be during training camp? After training camp? The final preseason game? Week 1 of the NFL Regular Season? I am predicting he will be their sometime for the last week of Vikings training camp. That would be August 12th.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: How will Jeremy Shockey look?

In late May Shockey went into a New Orleans hospital with seizure like symptoms. It will be very interesting to see if Shockey can return to football shape when the season began. Shockey scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV, and it seemed to bring him redemption after seeing the Giants win a Super Bowl without him. If Shockey can comeback healthy and be used even more in the Saints offense then the Saints offense would become even more scary good.

Carolina Panthers: Can Matt Moore leave his imprint on this Panthers team?

Matt Moore played pretty well at the end of last season for Carolina. If Moore continues to play well in the 2010 season than the Panthers will certainly be a playoff contender, and Jimmy Clausen will have to sit on the bench a little bit longer than he would like to.

Atlanta Falcons: Will Michael Turner be the “Burner Turner” or the “Fat and Out of Shape Turner”?

In the 2008 season he was phenomenal for the Falcons as “Burner Turner.” In 2009 he was “Fat and Out of Shape Turner” and his game clearly suffered. If Michael Turner can stay in shape and return to his “Burner Turner” ways than Atlanta could be this year’s New Orleans.

Atlanta needs Burner Turner to return to his old form.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Does Raheem Morris know what he is doing?

It is a legitimate question to ask. In his first training camp last season he fired offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. Then in November he demoted Jim Bates as defensive coordinator and started calling plays on defense for the rest of the season. You have to wonder if he is just too inexperienced to be a NFL head coach. Also Tampa Bay did not look great at 3-13 last season. Josh Freeman is certainly a long ways a way from being a great NFL quarterback. So for Tampa the question is does Raheem Morris have a plan, and if he does is it the right one?

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: How will Matt Leinart fit into the Cardinals offense?

One thing that seems clear is that Ken Whisenhunt is not so hot about Matt Leinart. Remember Leinart was drafted in the Dennis Green “Crown Their Asses” Arizona Cardinals regime. From his late nights out, to his MMA training, and his Hollywood persona it seems Ken Whisenhunt is not totally on board the Leinart bandwagon. Leinart may only have a few games, not even a season to impress Whisenunt before Whisenhunt makes a change at QB.

Seattle Seahawks: Can Pete Carroll’s “rah-rah” approach work with this team?

It didn’t work with the Patriots, and it did not work with the Jets. Can the third time be the charm for Pete Carroll in Seattle. A weak division gives Carroll a shot in the short term, but in the long term will Carroll be able to "Win Forever" in Seattle? 

San Francisco 49ers: Will Alex Smith go from a descent quarterback to a star quarterback?

These are Alex Smith’s career numbers for the 49ers; 2005 1 TD 11 INT and a completion percentage of 50.9, 2006 16 TD 16 INT and a completion percentage of 58.1, 2007 2 TD 4 INT and a completion percentage of 48.7, and in 2009 he went for 18 TD and 12 INT with a completion percentage of 60.5. So clearly Smith finally improved in 2009. He’s now a respectable quarterback. But when you are the 1st pick overall in a NFL Draft you have to do better than respectable. Will Smith improve even more in 2010 to be a star that a first pick overall is expected to be?

St. Louis Rams: When will Sam Bradford become the No. 1 starting quarterback for the Rams?

It’s not if but when for Sam Bradford. Will Bradford be the starter right from preseason on? Will Bradford be the starter for the first regular season game? Or will A.J. Feeley be the starter for a while before Sam Bradford steps in the middle of the regular season to be the starter? If I’m Steve Spagnuolo I don’t mess around and I make Bradford the starter right away.

Kofod

Music Video of the Week July 23rd

Ok everyone has heard it on the radio. Everyone has probably seen it on tv or the interent. And I can't get the embed for the video just the link for the video. But all I can say about Katy Perry in the California Gurls Music Video is this...Good Lord!

Sports Tidbits July 19th

Alright here are some tidbits I have from the world of sports.

I understand Tiger was bad. Phil was bad. So no one watched, and no one cared about the British Open. It had its worst ratings ever. But people missed out. He may have been a no name, and he may have front teeth that would make Michael Strahan proud, but the performance Louis Oosthuizen had in the British Open is one of the greatest performances in golf history. They guy dominated the field for three rounds. He won with a -16 and the closest guy was -9. The fact is if instead of Oosthuizen the last name was Woods, or Mickelson people would be talking about it as a "Performance for the ages." But it was Oosthuizen and he should get all the credit he deserves.

Michael Strahan eat your heart out, because Looouuuuie has a gap tooth smile to rival yours!

Dwyane Wade references that if the Heat lose a few back-back games next season people will compare it to the World Trade Center. What an idiot! It seems from Wade saying that to LeBron doing his self-centered "The Decision" tv show that these guys are completely out of touch with reality. I guess when you are a multi million dollar athlete, with people at your hands and feet that should be expected.

Today is July 19th. Look I don't want summer to end as much as the next person, but at this point who can't wait for the football season to start!?! I'm so pumped. NFL Network, ESPN Previews, College Football Live, watching NFL America's Game episodes on Hulu. Man I am totally into football right now!

I loved the World Cup! It was great. Games on almost everyday. The scoring was low, the flops were awful, and I never want to hear a vuvuzela again! But the games were all close, the passion was there from fans to players, and ESPN's coverage was outstanding. Glad to see Spain win. Great World Cup can't wait until Brazil in 2014! And I hope the U.S. will get the 2018 or 2022 bid. We have the stadiums. The new football stadium in the Meadowlands, the Rose Bowl, the University of Pheonix Field, Dolphins Stadium, etc. Can you imagine a World Cup game in the new Cowboys Stadium. How awesome would that be?

I never watched it on a regular basis. If it was on tv I would sit and watch it and throughly enjoy it. Let me be probably one of the few men to publicly say that I will miss The Hills. It was quick ( a 30 min episode seem to fly by), funny (Spencer, Justin Bobby, Audrina, and Heidi provided sooooo much unintentional comedy), had beautiful people, it was cool to see the shots of LA at night, and it's always fun to watch people drink and go out to clubs. Farewell The Hills. Now I can't wait until the new Jersey Shore starts.

Yes count me as one of the people who will miss The Hills.

My quick thoughts on baseball so far. Strasburg is awesome. The Reds are for real. George Steinbrenner was a great owner for Yankees and its fans, but he did many stupid things, and was not the angel ESPN made him out to be last week. I throughly think David Ortiz may be on the juice right now. How could he be this good again, when he looked so bad months ago, and last season?!?! Speaking of David Ortiz how dumb is the Homerun Derby? Besides the X Games, the NBA All Star Game, the NHL All Star Game, the NFL Pro Bowl, the PGA Tour Fed Ex Cup, the Daytona 500, and LeBron James' "The Decision" is there a dumber sporting event out there than the Homerun Derby?!?! It takes 3 hours!!!! Look I know the NBA Dunk Contest has been horrible lately, but at least that thing only takes 30 to 45 minutes at the most.

Oh one last thought on baseball. I hate the Yankees, but they are going to win it all again. Just waaaaaaaaaaay too good! Damn! Duke, Lakers, and Yankees in one year!

Kofod

Music Video of the Week July 15th

Alright with all the LeBron stuff last week I did not post a music video of the week. So this week I have two music videos. The two videos are from DJ Earworm and consists of two music mashups. The first is a mashup of the top 25 Billboard hits of 2008. The second is a mashup of the top 25 Billboard hits of 2009. I love these mashups, I have them on my iPod, and I can't wait until next year for the 2010 mashup.

2008: Viva La Pop



2009: Blame it on the Pop



Kofod

Miami's Reaction to LeBron James

Well I gave the depressing Cleveland side to the leaving of LeBron James. So to be only fair I'll give the Miami reaction to LeBron James.

First here is Dan LeBetard's open for his Miami radio show from Friday. It is epic! My favorite part is him saying "our half filled sports bars went crazy!"



Here's the WWE type celebration Miami gave LeBron, Wade, and Bosh last night.



Kofod

The Winners and Losers of NBA Free Agency

Alright here is my long list of winners and losers from NBA Free Agency. Enjoy!

                                                                         Winners


The City of Miami: As Will Smith would say “South Beach bringing the heat.” You have the beaches, the sun, the ladies, and now you can add THE team to watch in the NBA. Love or hate the Heat now, and I am a hater, the fact is they are like the Yankees. If they are on you watch them. The Dolphins look to have a good future. Miami Hurricanes football seems to coming back around. And the Marlins seem to compete and win a World Series every 5 years. Miami is a great place to live in, and be a part of today and for a while.

Dwyane Wade: Wade comes out great here. Even with LeBron it still is his team. He looks unselfish by taking less to allow LeBron and Bosh to join. He was obviously Pat Riley’s right hand man powerbroker to make this all happen. And his “apparent” flirtation with Chicago made him seem genuine as his family and children were involved in it. Wade came out of all of this looking great.

LeBron James: Here is where LeBron James is a winner. The Miami Heat will win a championship with Wade, James, and Bosh. It may not be this year. It may be a few years down the road. But Miami will win at least one and probably more than one. They have too much talent not too. So LeBron assured himself of at least one title. And he gets to play with his buddies. It seems more than clear that LeBron is great friends with Wade and Bosh. And they get to play in sunny Miami. He did what we ask many athletes to do. Focus more on winning than money. He did that because he left a lot of money on the table he could have had if he stayed with Cleveland. Those are the positives of LeBron’s move to Miami.

Chris Bosh: Talk about a winner in this whole free agent chaos. He goes from the Raptors to the Heat with Wade and LeBron. He was referred to a Superstar multiple times. Sorry that’s way too much. He’s good, he’s an all-star. But not a Superstar! LeBron, Wade, Kobe, Durant, and Carmelo are Superstars. Not Bosh. And he obviously enjoyed this whole process. Tweeting away all the time. And he became a household name. As Bill Simmons would say he passed the “Mom Test.” My Mom only knows a few current active athletes. Lance Armstrong in bicycle racing. Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees in NFL. Ryan Miller in the NHL. A-Rod, and Derek Jeter in MLB. And in the NBA she knows Shaq, Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Carmelo, and now Chris Bosh. The fact that Chris Bosh is now a household name among moms is amazing.

I can't believe this guy is now a household name!

New York Knicks: I don’t want to hear one New York Knicks fan say they felt used by LeBron James. People in Ohio can say that. Not New York Knicks fans. He’s not yours, he’s never been yours. James was Cleveland’s. I mean for goodness sakes the Browns traded Braylon Edwards the second Braylon upset LeBron James and his boys. Even the Browns kissed LeBron’s ass. But he was not one of yours Knicks fans. Not one fan in New York should have booed last night. Fine he doesn’t want to be a Knick. Move on. You got Amar’e. I’m an Amar’e guy. Frankly I think he’s better than Bosh. I know he has health, maturity, and defense problems. But he is a freak of nature. And he will make the Knicks better. Yes the Knicks still need to make more moves. Maybe it will Carmelo Anthony and/or CP3 next year. But it’s clear the Knicks are heading in the right direction.

Knicks fans should be smiling just like Amar'e.

Pat Riley: The man has done it again. He won with Showtime LA Lakers in the 1980’s. He was the coach of the last great era of the New York Knicks in the 1990’s. He took over from Stan Van Gundy in 2006 to lead Shaq, Wade, and the Miami Heat to a championship over the more talented Dallas Mavericks. Then he was the smooth powerbroker in the suit to convince Bosh, and especially LeBron to take less money to join Miami. Now the question is how long will it take for him to remove Eric Spoelstra as head coach and become the Miami Heat coach again? I say the over/under in one season. I will take the under.

Kevin Durant: He very quietly signed a 5 year contract a few days ago. No press conference. No look at “ME, ME, ME.” He’s just ‘ballin.’ Taylor said he would take Durant over LeBron if he had to pick one today. I laughed at him when he said that. Not now. Not after LeBron gave up the “Top Dog” thrown to take the easy way out to win a title. I’ll definitely take Durant now. I believe he’s a guy that wants to be the “Top Dog.” And he has the game to back it up.

James Lacki: Last night I joked with James on Facebook that I hated him because he gets all the good things with his sports teams. UNC is back in basketball with a title in 2005, 2009, and will certainly compete for more Final Fours over the next decade. The Yankees are in it every year, and coming off a championship in 2009. The Steelers won Super Bowl XL, and Super Bowl XLIII. And now he gets his two favorite NBA players in Dwyane Wade and LeBron James on the same team. James is truly the luckiest sports fan I have ever met and known. All you need now is a college football team to root for now. I hear some guy named Nick Saban and Alabama are pretty good James haha!!!!

Joe Johnson: If I would have told you before free agency starts that Joe Johnson would have been the highest paid free agent you would have laughed at me. Well $123.7 million later Joe Johnson is laughing all the way to the bank in the ATL.

Chris Paul: The rumor has been going around forever that during the 2008 Beijing Olympics Wade, Bosh, LeBron, and CP3 were in a room when they decided to join forces together during the 2010 and 2011 free agent process, even if that meant taking far less money. Well ¾ of that is complete. And CP3 could join the three next year. Also word was that CP3 was one of the few people in LeBron’s ear trying to convince him to stay in Cleveland. Who knows if this is true, but it does seem whether it’s Miami, New York, or somewhere else CP3 will have a bright future somewhere else a year from now.

Boston Celtics: Doc Rivers comes back. They resign Pierce, and Allen. The Big 3 are getting older, but I guarantee they will give the Heat all they can handle next year. Now hopefully Rajon Rondo is practicing his free throws somewhere.

Dan Gilbert: The owner sent the letter from his heart. Did it go to far? Probably. Is their anyway the Cavs will win a title before LeBron? No, not a chance. But he did exactly what Cleveland fans wanted, and now has the whole city behind him. Oh and Dan Gilbert is not only the owner of the Cavs, but also FatHead. He put the price of all LeBron James FatHead's today for $17.41. Why 1741? That's the year Benedict Arnold was born. Haha love it!!!

Art Modell: Art Modell will still go down as the most hated person in Cleveland history, let alone Cleveland sports history for moving the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. But somewhere Modell is smiling today, because LeBron James joins him right there at #2.

Cleveland Sports Radio: After “The Decision” ended last night I turned on Cleveland Sports Radio. It was great to listen to. The hosts blasting LeBron. Fans pouring out there emotions to the hosts. It was live drama to listen to. If you love sports radio, and have free time I suggest listening online, or over your radio you will hear some good stuff. And I guarantee the Cleveland sports radio stations got great ratings last night.

Here is the saddest story I heard from a caller in Cleveland last night. A dad called the ESPN 850 Cleveland station to tell the hosts how his 9 year old son handled “The Decision.” The father said when the son heard LeBron say he’s going to South Beach he immediately ran to his room. His room was filled with Cavs things all over the wall. Pennants, posters, all kinds of stuff. Anything that was LeBron James he took down. A FatHead, a poster, and a LeBron basketball. He did not destroy them, but just carefully took them down. He left Cleveland Cavaliers pennants and posters that were not associated with LeBron up on his wall. He went to his closet and took out his LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers jersey. He took all the stuff and ran back to his dad. He was in complete tears. He handed all the things to his dad in a box and told him to put it away somewhere. The 9 year old son said to his dad that he was not a LeBron fan anymore, but that he was always going to be a Cavs fan. That is just but one example of what LeBron James did to Cleveland last night.

Colt McCoy: If I’m a Cleveland sports fan today I go onto the Browns website and buy a Colt McCoy jersey. Here is a guy who seems down to earth, is an overachiever, and will do whatever it takes to try to win. I think Cleveland should back this guy now, and hope he is the bright future of the Cleveland Browns.

Toney Douglas: Amar’e Stoudamire will need a high IQ PG to flourish with the Knicks. Like Steve Nash in Phoenix he’ll need someone to set pick and rolls for him, and feed him the ball. I think the Knicks may have that man in Toney Douglas. Now certainly I have a huge FSU bias here. But I think if the Knicks let Douglas develop next year they will find a guy with that good offensive IQ. And as I can attest to at FSU he’s a tremendous defender. He could bring defensive intensity to the Knicks that has never been a part of Amar’e Stoudamire or Mike D’Antoni.

Skip Bayless: No one in the media criticized LeBron James more than ESPN2’s Skip Bayless. He constanly called him “Prince” James, and said he would never deliver what Cleveland wanted. Well it turned out he was right all along.

Stephen A. Smith: Stephen A. was the first person to break the story of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh going to Miami. Two weeks ago! He was blasted for it, but he came out smelling like roses. Who the hell would have guessed that after all this NBA Free Agent stuff that Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith would be the two analysts who were the most right on this story. What in the world haha?!?!

Brian Windhorst: He is the newspaper Cleveland Plain Dealer Cavs Insider. Throughought the free agent process through Tweets, and articles he gave the most factual, in depth analysis of how the whole LeBron James Free Agent sweepstakes were going. At times it seemed he was hiding inside the office when LeBron had his meetings with the 6 teams. Job well done by Windhorst.

Twitter: If you followed athletes, fans, and sports writers on Twitter it truly was the best place to go for constant updates, opinions and moves to NBA Free Agency. Facebook is for friends and family. Twitter is for sports and news. And if you love sports than there are a lot of great outlets to follow on Twitter.

Tom Izzo: Izzo ended up being completely right in turning down the Cavs coaching job and staying at Michigan State. Here is hoping Izzo wins a championship before LeBron does!

Brett Favre: As bad as the whole breakup between Favre and Green Bay was it pales now in comparison to the breakup between LeBron and Cleveland. Favre on multiple occasions, including both Vikings vs. Packers games last year made it clear how much he loved Green Bay, and how emotional it was for him. And I think it’s genuine. Plus he won a Super Bowl with Green Bay. LeBron did not win a NBA title with Cleveland. 20, 30, 40 years from now (even if the Vikings win a Super Bowl with Favre) I think Green Bay, and Wisconsin will think highly of Favre, and the glory years he had with them. As bad at times as Favre may have been in leaving and coming, and leaving and coming, he did nothing as awful and heartless as what LeBron did.

Kobe Bryant: Kobe will still have haters. But after last night he’s now the most popular player in the NBA, and I think Nike’s most marketable athlete. He’s dissed Shaq, and Andrew Bynum in the past. He whined and wanted to be traded. But he never did anything as selfish and awful as what LeBron James did last night.

NBA on TNT, NBA on ABC, and NBA on ESPN Games in 2010-2011: I guarantee at least once a week the Heat will either be on TNT, or ESPN. They will get high ratings when the Heat are on. When the Heat play at Cleveland for the first time I think ABC has to jump on that. I don’t care if it’s during the week. Your telling me a Monday Night Miami at Cleveland game will not draw more viewers on ABC than the crap fest comedy night CBS has on Monday?! Or that the first Heat at Cavs game would not be draw out Survivor and CSI on a Thursday Night?! It would certainly beat out any crap NBC would show that night. You draw it out, bring the pregame show to Cleveland, interview fans. That will do MAJOR ratings. And you know Miami will be on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. If ABC puts Miami at LA on Thanksgiving Night I guarantee more people will watch that than Bengals at Jets on NFL Network. I know I will and I love the NFL much more than the NBA. TNT, ABC, and ESPN will thrive with the Heat on TV.

NBA 2K11, NBA Elite 11: Whether you have a PS3, XBOX 360, or Wii, and are a sports fan how do you not get either NBA 2K11 with Michael Jordan on the cover, and/or NBA Elite 11 with Kevin Durant on the cover? Those two games will sell real good. Play against the Heat, or with the Heat. Plus play as Kobe in LA, Amar’e in NYC, Durant, Melo, or Dwight. I know I will probably buy one of these games.


                                                                          Losers

The City of Cleveland: Red Right 88, The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, The Browns move to Baltimore, 1997 Marlins Game 7 World Series Win over the Indians, Tim Couch crying, 2001 Browns vs. Jaguars Beer Bottle Game, 2002 Browns vs. Chiefs Helmet Game, The Steelers comeback against the Browns in the 2002 AFC Wildcard Game , 2007 ALCS Indians blow 3-1 series lead to Red Sox, LeBron James No Handshake vs Magic in 2009, and the Cavs collapse vs. Celtics in 2010 make room. Alongside Red Right 88, The Drive, The Fumble, and The Shot ,you can now add The Decision. Cleveland continues to get their heart broken in sports. LeBron has every right to leave Cleveland. But he did it in the worst fashion possible. He turned it into a reality show. People all over Cleveland, Akron, and all of Ohio were watching the televisions believing and hoping. The Decision got Super Bowl type ratings in Cleveland. And then without any emotion he said he was headed to South Beach. He drove the knife right through Cleveland, and Akron and let them bleed to death. It was heartless, and gutless. Look Buffalo has equal pains when it comes to sports. We have had our fair share of terrible moments. So I certainly feel for Cleveland and its city today, tomorrow, and in the future.

            The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, and now The Decision will haunt Cleveland forever.


LeBron James: Here is where LeBron is a loser. First off he picked the worst way possible to hurt Cleveland. Look no matter what he did leaving Cleveland was going to sting. But he could have done it quiet and with dignity. Simply tell a NBA insider he’s going to the Heat. Show up to Miami for his introductory press conference to the Heat. There he could say how excited he was to join Miami, but at the same time thank the fans, ownership, Cleveland, and Akron for everything they gave him, and that his heart will always be in that area. He could have told Cavs owner Dan Gilbert in advance in person, or at least on the phone of his decision to leave. Leave with class.

Instead he chose the worst way ever imaginable to leave. He dragged out the process. He made his decision into a one hour reality show. He hid behind Boys and Girls Club of America Charity to rip the hearts out of Cleveland. He gave no emotion in saying bye to Cleveland. Never thanked the fans, teammates, ownership, and community. Absolute cold blooded. Worst way ever in the history of the world to leave a team. I don’t think any athlete will ever come close to creating a charade to leave a team in a worse way EVER! He will never be able to live in the Akron/Cleveland area EVER again! This is a guy who after his no show vs Game 5 against the Celtics in the 2010 Playoffs said he "spoiled" fans with his play. When Joakim Noah bashed Cleveland LeBron never defended the city and went after Noah. From LeBron wearing a Yankees hat to a Yankees at Indians playoff game, to doing any sort of charity or MVP presentation in Akron it seemed LeBron loved Akron, but never quite showed love to Cleveland. Just not right!

Also if/when he helps win a title in Miami it will not mean as much as other places. Miami does not have near the diehard fans of other places. No matter how many titles LeBron helps Miami win the 1972 undefeated Dolphins will still go down as the bigger deal, and the 1983 Miami Hurricanes will probably still be a bigger deal too. Had he gone to NYC and won 1 Championship he would have been a basketball God there. In New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets fans would have licked his balls for 1 title. If he went to Chicago he would be in Jordan’s 6 Championships Shadow, but with each title the Chicago fans would have appreciated it and enjoyed. And if he stayed in Cleveland and won just ONE championship he would have truly gone down as the KING of Cleveland, Akron, and probably all of Ohio. Instead not only did LeBron takes the easiest route to a championship in terms of a roster in Miami, but he took the easiest route to a championship in terms of fan’s expectations by joining Miami.

His Ego seems to be bigger than the size of Mount Rushmore. He and his brand thinks he’s bigger than a city, a game, a league. He single handedly took over multiple cities, the NBA, and ESPN in the last few weeks. Humble seems to be the farthest thing possible in describing LeBron James. He announced his decision as “I am going to take MY TALENTS to South Beach.” Not “I’m going to play for the Miami Heat.” Doesn’t that MY TALENTS statement scream egotistic?!?

Now on to his going to the Miami Heat. I don’t want to hear anyone ever call LeBron James “King” ever again. A “King” does not go to another leader’s team. Make no mistake this is Dwyane Wade’s team. He’s the man that brought the Heat a championship. He’s the one fans in Miami were willing to go to the wrong airport to greet him. Last night on Facebook I made the comparison that imagine if Magic and Bird played WITH each other, instead of against each other. That is how I feel about LeBron going to Miami. He took the easy way out. He was on the mantle, along with Kobe of “The Next MJ.” He left that mantle last night. It’s like when A-Rod went to the Yankees. He went to win a championship. But as he left he sacrificed two things. It would not be HIS team ever. It’s Derek Jeter’s team. And he could never go down in the conversation of “Greatest Baseball Player Ever” because of it. Now he won a Championship last year, and was clutch in the playoffs. He has his ring. But he won’t have the immortality that seemed all but likely when he was with the Mariners and Rangers. Same can be said for LeBron. He will win a championship, and probably championships in Miami. But he will not go down in the conversation of “Greatest Basketball Player Ever.” No way! He went from being in the discussion of “The Next MJ” to now probably going down as “The Next Scottie Pippen.” He’ll go down as a better Scottie Pippen instead of possibly the closest thing to MJ. In the 1980’s you would have never seen Isaiah Thomas try to leave Detroit to join Boston or LA before he won his two rings, or Jordan leave to join Detroit, Utah, Houston, LA, or Boston before he won his 6 rings. But in this day in age of every athlete loving each other it should not have come as a surprise to see LeBron sacrifice the Top Dog model to join Miami. Some King!

ESPN: ESPN caved into LeBron James. Let him have this stupid and ridiculous one hour show. All those analysts kissed his ass during the interviews (especially Stuart Scott who I will get to in a little bit). Softball questions galore. ESPN has turned for the worst. But we can’t ignore ESPN. They are like the Wal-Mart of sports entertainment. I wish there at least was another channel that could compete with ESPN. I wish CNNSI was still around. I wish there was a cross country Fox Sports channel that was good. Or MSNBC Sports channel. But all of this is wishful thinking, and ESPN will always own the sports entertainment access. Oh and one more thing ESPN. Everyone patted Chris Broussard on the back for “breaking” the LeBron James is going to Miami Heat 3 days ago. Hello ESPN, Stephen A. Smith broke this story TWO WEEKS AGO. I know he doesn’t work for ESPN anymore, but for goodness sakes ESPN give credit where credit is due.

Toronto Raptors Fans: Look Toronto don’t have nowhere close to the horrible feeling people in Cleveland have. But don’t think for a second Raptors fans don’t have a reason to gripe. Raptors fans who gave nothing but love to Chris Bosh got nothing in return from him. As soon as the NBA season ended Bosh tweeted asking people where should he go now. What an insult that was to Raptors fans! At no time did Bosh ever thank the city of Toronto or Raptors fans when he made his decision to join the Heat. The Raptors two greatest players are Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. And both left Toronto with no class. Well at least Toronto you have the Maple Leafs. Shit…Well you have the Blue Jays…right they can’t win either…you get a Bills game once a year…oh yeah you could care less about that…well you have the Argonauts in the CFL I guess?!?!

Eric Spoelstra: I’m sure he’s a fine man and a good young coach. But no coach will have more pressure on him than Eric Spoelstra the Miami Heat coach. Like Stan Van Gundy when he had Shaq and Wade, you can only think it’s only a matter of time before Pat Riley swoops in and becomes head coach.

Mikhail Prokhorov: Prokhorov came in proclaiming the Nets would turn around and win a title in 3 years, and be a dynasty in 5 years. The Blueprint for Success mural was draped right by the MSG. He promised to be the basketball capital in the NY/NJ area. Well the Knicks got Amar’e Stoudemire. The Nets?! Travis Outlaw. That dynasty seems right on schedule!!!

Jay-Z: He couldn’t convince his buddy LeBron to come to the Nets. He can’t even watch his boy Bron in MSG. So much for all that star power he has. Though he still married to Beyoncé. So he’s got that going for him.

Jay-Z couldn't get LeBron to the Nets. At least he still has Beyoncé.

Derrick Rose: Reports are that Derrick Rose was not very hospitable to LeBron James coming to Chicago. It seems Rose was not all open arms to being the Robin to LeBron’s Batman. He preferred Joe Johnson. Look Derrick Rose is a fine talent. But the more I hear and see of him, the more I think he is an absolute idiot. He couldn’t take his SAT in high school. He failed to foul Sharron Collins when John Callipari told him to. And now it seems he had no interest in trying to recruit LeBron. Don’t think Derrick Rose has a very high IQ.

Richard Jefferson: He left $15 million dollars with the Spurs. Is there any way he will make close to that money somewhere else? Or go to a team as good as the Spurs? What the Hell was Richard Jefferson thinking?!?!

Stuart Scott: I can’t take Stuart Scott anymore. No one on ESPN kissed LeBron’s ass more last night than Stuart Scott. Hey LeBron next time I play one-on-one vs Obama can you be my coach LeBron? What the Fuck is that?!?! Does Scott have any journalistic integrity?!?! He just wants to be “boys” with every popular athlete. He did not ask LeBron one tough question. All of them were softball questions. Look Stuart Scott was born for doing highlights on SportsCenter. He is as good as anyone doing that. But Stuart Scott doesn’t deserve to stand in the piss of studio hosts like Bob Costas, Jim Nantz, Greg Gumbel, Bryant Gumbel, Brent Musburger, James Brown, Chris Fowler, hell even Fox’s Chris Rose!!!! Stuart Scott take your “what’s up ya’ll” shtick, and your lazy eye, fake eye, whatever the Hell it is and GO AWAY!!!!

Michael Beasley: He went from the #2 pick in the NBA Draft two years ago, and a possible future star to the Miami Heat, to now being traded to the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves. He seems to have emotional issues, alcohol problems, and has underachieved. He’s too talented to have done so little so far.

Mark Jackson: He’s a great to listen to on NBA on ABC games, but sometimes he says stupid things. Last night was one of them. He said LeBron James “handled this beautifully.” I’m pretty sure that opinion on LeBron is in the minority on that one.

Vitamin Water: Right after LeBron said he was going to Miami and ESPN cut to the commercial we all got to see that stupid Vitamin Water ad with LeBron James voicing it over. And how about that stupid Facebook Vitamin Water question a fan sent that was chosen to ask LeBron?!? How would LeBron do in a game of horse against Obama?!?! What booger eating retard sent that question?!?! And who decided that was the best fan question to ask LeBron? I’ll tell you the answer to that stupid question. LeBron would beat the Hell out of Obama. He’s a fucking NBA player!!! Who the Hell do you think will win that competition?!?! Just because Clark Kellogg threw his HORSE game with Obama during the Final Four, does not mean Obama is some HORSE World Beater!!!  I will tell you one thing. I’ll never drink a Vitamin Water again. I’ll take Beyoncé’s Sobe Life Water over LeBron James’ Vitamin Water any day of the week.

Nike: It’s top two athletes are Tiger Woods and LeBron James. Ouch! Who would have ever thought that Nike’s most marketable athlete was probably Kobe Bryant?!?! Nike has to just be hoping that Tim Tebow thrives in the NFL so they can market him big time.

Shoe Stores in Cleveland, Akron, and all of Ohio: From Footlocker to Finish Line, and any other store, how in the world will Nike be able to sell any LeBron James shoes in Cleveland. I mean seriously?!?! What kid is going to buy the next Bron shoe? What parent in Ohio will buy their son a LeBron shoe?!?!

LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers Jerseys in Ohio: They are either being burned, thrown away, or will collect cobwebs in someone’s closest. They will be sold now down there real cheap.

World Wide Wes: William Wesley was supposedly the powerbroker for LeBron James, and James’ right hand man throughout this whole process. Instead he was brushed aside. LeBron did not even mention him last night. Frankly I am tired of hearing about World Wide Wes, Maverick Carter, LeBron’s Akron boys, and anyone else associated with LeBron’s posse. It’s nauseating, annoying, and I think in a lot of ways represents a lot that is wrong with sports. I think they fuel LeBron’s ego, kiss his ass, and never check him. Never tell him this isn’t right. I mean his posse, Nike, and LeBron himself tried to get this hard to watch video of Jordan Crawford dunking over LeBron to go away. What an ego! And finally where was the PR guy to tell LeBron that this reality show “The Decision” was selfish and completely stupid?!?!

Kofod

Cleveland Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert's Message to the Cleveland Cavaliers Fans

Here is the open letter Cavs owner Dan Gilbert just sent to Cavs fans. Don't believe it?! Here's the link itself straight from the Cavs website.


Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;




As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.



This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.



Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.



The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.



There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.



You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.



You have given so much and deserve so much more.



In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:



"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"



You can take it to the bank.



If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.



Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.



Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.



This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.



But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.



The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.



Just watch.



Sleep well, Cleveland.



Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....



I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:



DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....







Dan Gilbert

Majority Owner

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Response in Cleveland and Akron to Lebron James Going to the Miami Heat

Here are some videos of Cleveland's and Akron's response to LeBron leaving.

Respone of LeBron James' decision from Cleveland fans at a Cleveland sports bar.

Cavs fan react to The Decision

Here is the story Cleveland Channel 3 NBC did after the LeBron annoucement. Notice the fans did a quick Fuck You LeBron chant during the live feed.



And here are Cavs fans lighting a LeBron James jersey on fire.



And here are some photos of the reaction in Cleveland.

Kofod

LeBron James More Than a Player

Well the Cavs, along with the Bulls, made their pitch to LeBron James yesterday in Cleveland. Part of the Cavs push to keep LeBron was showing him this 10 minute video on how the community of Akron and Cleveland is just as big a part of LeBron as winning. Notice the video also has music from the movie Gladiator playing throughout this. The Cavs did this on purpose, because that is one of LeBron's favorite movies. The video may be a little corny, but overall I think it's a pretty good sale pitch.



Kofod

Music Video of the Week July 3rd

It' here. Ron Artest's Champion. Wow...



Kofod