How many times have you talked about Harvard basketball? I've done it twice

Earlier today I met Michael Murphy, Assistant Coach for the Columbia University basketball team.  He told me that they're playing Harvard this weekend.  What a coincidence!  I'd just seen Harvard play...

I let him know that I just saw Harvard defeat George Washington University a couple of weeks ago at the Charles E. Smith Center.  I think he was impressed that I knew that Tommy Amaker was Harvard's coach.  ****  I know a lot of people and my friends know a lot of people so you never know...  I just might know some of your people and often I know more than you'd expect... 

Anyway, it just goes to show that you never know who you're talking to and yes, when it comes to basketball I definitely know "stuff"...

Incidentally, did you know that NBA veteran Donyell Marshall is on Karl Hobb's staff?  Can you see him looking at the camera from the huddle?  My guess is that the University of Connecticut connection didn't hurt.

It was my first time watching a George Washington University men's basketball home game, but I have to admit, I had a good time.  The Colonials have dropped 4 straight including the loss to Harvard so hopefully, they rebound in their next game against St. Louis.

THE WIRK

Thunder defeat the Timberwolves ~ Durant sets career high 47 points and 18 rebounds

Tonight was a good night to be in Minneapolis.  Coach Scott Brooks brought his Oklahoma City Thunder to the Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.  I feel like the Thunder are in town every month.  I know that's not the case, but it feels like I just saw them here.

Regardless tonight's match-up went into overtime and Kevin Durant blew up for a million points and a thousand rebounds.  Ok.  So he didn't really have a million points and a thousand rebounds, but it felt like he did.  Durant ended the game with 47 points and 18 rebounds.  That's not a typo.  He had 47 points and 18 boards.

Jeff Green was the 2nd leading scorer for the Thunder.  He dropped 19 points and contributed 8 rebounds.

During the 1st half of the game Russell Westbrook had a monster one-handed dunk that I would've taken a picture of to post here, had I not been looking at my in-seat menu.  Seriously?!?!?  When am I ever going to learn not to turn my camera off and to pay attention ~ especially when high-flying athletic players like Westbrook are on the floor.

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the dynamic duo of Michael Beasley and Kevin Love came ready to play.  Beasley had 30 and 9.  Love had 31 and 21.  Love is a tough.  During overtime he hit the floor and everyone at the Target Center held their breath, until he got up off the floor.  He hit the deck right in front of me and I swear I heard it.  Ouch.

I told the guy next to me that the Timberwolves would lose.  I don't mean to dog the team, but the guys are just too young and/or inexperienced to close close games out.  It's sad, but true.  This game was winnable for the young Timberwolves, but the Thunder rocked the Target Center to win, ultimately with a score of 118-117. 

This picture of the Thunder reminded me of Reservoir Dogs

Kevin Durant blew up in a career game (i.e. that went into overtime), during my final night in Minneapolis.  I'd say we both went out with a bang.  Thunder Up!

Oh and check this guy out.  Would you let an NBA mascot cut your hair for a Klondike bar?!?!!  Hell no.... 

**** Last, but not least, just in case the assistant coach I met in the hotel concierge lounge before the game reads this post, I should point out that I was right.  Wes Johnson plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  This is a picture of him in the air going for a lay-up.

THE WIRK

Rockets defeated the Timberwolves ~ Brooks throws up the "loser sign"

The Houston Rockets came into the Target Center last night and defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The final score was 125-129.  The game didn't really get exciting until the end when the Timberwolves started to make a run.

For $40 I picked up my $105 ticket from a scalper and was ready watch "Amazing happen".  To be honest, the only thing amazing was my soft serve, chocolate ice cream in a cake cone.  The treat was so good that I had two of them, but I digress... 

Before the game another guy asked if there were any stars on the Houston Rockets.  I answered for the guy, "Not unless you count Shane Battier as a star."  I kept it moving.  I actually am not familiar with the Rocket's line up.  I just know that without Yao Ming, it's tough to watch them.  ****  I wasn't going to debate Shane Battier's star level.  He's a Duke alumnus, so therefore I support him.

Speaking of Battier, I couldn't help but notice he was guarding Michael Beasley.  Talk about opposites...  Battier is clean cut, and Beasley isn't...  Personally, I like Beasley's game better.  It's more exciting. 

Honestly though, with Luis Scola's freakish resemblance to adult Jesus, how were the Timberwolves expected to win? 

Speaking of look-a-likes...  Who's the guy on the Rockets' staff that looks like American Idol judge, Randy Jackson?  I could look it up or you can just tell me.

One more doppelganger...  Am I the only person that thinks Rick Adelman (i.e. in the mock turtleneck and coat) resembles Will Ferrell doing his Sean Connery impression?!?!  I can't be.  I wonder if Adelman can do the accent...

Things during the game were ho-hum, but got more interesting around the last two minutes.  Yes, everyone says you don't need to watch an NBA game until there are 2 minutes left on the clock.  In this case, around the 2 minute mark, Aaron Brooks and Kevin Love tussled and Brooks threw the ball at Love's chest.  Have you seen Brooks and Love stand next to each other?  Brooks more or less comes up to Love's armpit.  Regardless, it was a weird exchange and Brooks hit the Rockets bench shortly after. 

After getting his 6th foul, on his way to the bench in case Timberwolves fans couldn't read the scoreboard Brooks flashed the "loser sign" to the Timberwolves crowd. 

THE WIRK

Father-Daughter Vegas vacation ~ Great laughs, big wins!!

My dad is the best, and we just had another father-daughter weekend in Vegas.  What started out with father-daughter dinners as a girl scout and father-daughter dances in high school graduated to weekends in Vegas.  It may not be for everyone, but it works for us!

Here are some random thoughts, status updates, and quotes from the weekend.

• Just landed in Vegas. Flight attendant says that our bags are coming in on carousel 7. The guy behind me starts yelling, "seven"! I turn around and say, "So you're a don't guy?". He says, "yep". End of discussion.

As soon as I landed, within an hour or so, I received a text from my best friend from college/medical school.  He was in Vegas also.  Talk about lucky!  What a great coincidence...

Eventually, my dad got hungry so it was off to Gaylord India Restaurant at the Rio Hotel and Casino.  It's one of our favorites.  As soon as we ordered, there was an Asian waitress that came over.

• Dad (As Chinese waitress brings new plates): Wow, big china...
  Me: You can't call her that.
  Dad: What the hell are you talking about? I'm talking about the bigger dishes (as he holds up the new plate).
  Me: Oh...

We ordered the chicken curry.  When it came out, there was also some vegetarian curry.

• Me: What's in the vegetarian curry?
  Dad: Vegetables are for poor people.

Friday night I bet the Atlanta Hawks to cover against the New Orleans Hornets.  Friday night, was also the night that history was made and the Hawks only scored 59 points (i.e. the lowest point total in FRANCHISE history)...  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?  Absolutely ridiculous.

Friday night I was playing rapid craps over at Bill's.  It was painfully slow, but it was great to sit and laugh and catch up with my best friend.  We sat there betting the "Don't" since it was impossible for any shooter to get into any kind of rhythm with a slow dealer.  As we were sitting, he said "Isn't that your dad?"   Sure enough, my dad was walking into the casino.  I was happy to have them both there and I re-introduced them.  Within a few minutes my dad left to go get some food. 

Later that night, I checked out The Cosmopolitan (i.e. I believe it's a Marriott property).  It's fancy.  I don't think it's for a serious gambler.  It's more of a see and be seen place.  I didn't check out the table minimums this trip.  I'll do it next time.

I also walked over to Vdara Hotel and Spa.  The rooms are nice.  I saw an executive suite.  It had a kitchen, washer and dryer, etc. but no casino.  It was nice, but for my money and the location, I'd rather stay at the Palazzo or Venetian.

I passed through the Bellagio on the way back to the strip.  There was no robbery taking place so it was cool.  Based on the decor there and near the Palazzo, I think it's the year of the rabbit.  I'm a rabbit and rabbits are lucky so I couldn't resist taking pictures.

Saturday I dragged myself down to the sportsbook to bet on Ohio State.  The Buckeyes are ranked #1 and were in Illinois.  I had Buckeyes -3.5, the money line, and in a parlay with the Washington Capitals.  All the bets were winners!

Saturday night I was at the Venetian's sportsbook, watching the Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clipppers.

• Wankster looking Asian guy in sportsbook yelled, "Real LA fans are Clippers fans because people from LA can't afford Lakers tickets!". Instantly 3 other Asian guys raised their hands and said, "I can afford them.".

I watched the rest of the game after dinner at Harrah's while my dad was at the craps table.  The Indiana Pacers' Posey launched a 3-pointer towards the end of the game.  The way I see it, the Blazers owe me a point, since I lost by half of one.  Those are the breaks...

When I went to check on my dad he was sitting on a stool playing craps with thousand of dollars in front of him.  No wonder he wasn't bothering me.  I tapped him and told him it was time to go.  After another 10-15 mins he left the table a WINNER.

He has to sit since he's not really in condition to stand at a craps table for an extended period of time (i.e. read HOURS).  He's assured me he's going to start exercising so he can walk the strip more and stand longer.  I find this completely hilarious and have asked him to document his training regimen so I could laugh some more.  He thinks that I'm kidding.  I'm not.

Back in the room dad was tired and was rubbing his legs since they were sore.

• Dad (as he is rubbing his legs): I don't know what this is supposed to do, but back home we have servants for this...

The man is funny.

Before I left I gave my dad specific instructions to bet on the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC and NFC Championship Games.  I couldn't place my bets since the book had closed, and I was leaving.  He could and did. 

• Me: Go collect the money.
  Dad: Did we win?
  Me: Duh. Of course we did.
  Dad: Again?
  Me: Yep...
  Dad: Oh, ok. That was easy...

We cleaned up nicely...  Now I just need to figure out how to get the money from him. 

THE WIRK

Steelers and Packers ~ I told you so!!!

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers have advanced to the Super Bowl.

1.  I told you so.
2.  My dad had to place my bets for me in Vegas, since I left this morning, but who cares...  WE WIN!!!!

I missed most of the Packers game since I was flying, but needless to say I watched as Jets fans had a glimmer of hope.  J-E-T-S = L-O-S-E.  Sorry, New York Jets' fans. You're never going to win with Mark Sanchez as your quarterback.  Don't believe me?  That's fine.  You have the ENTIRE off-season to think about it.

If I know you and you want to go to Dallas and you have deep pockets, hit me up.  I want to go to the Super Bowl XLV (i.e. but NBA All-Star is more important to me)...  However, I'm open to going in on a pair of tickets or checking out a good single, if the price is right...


THE WIRK

Nets walk away from table, where Carmelo never sat ~ Trade drama over "for now"

Now that Mikhail Prokhorov has called off the Nets' pursuit of Carmelo Anthony, I think we can all move on for now.  I debated on whether or not I'd compose a post about it all, and for the sake of being comprehensive here goes...

My prediction: Carmelo Anthony plays out the season in Denver as a Nugget AND then goes to the Knicks... I don't believe the Chicago Bulls talk...  That's my 3 cents based.  ****  Why 3 cents?  It's 3 cents because I'm smarter than the average person, and the average person gives you 2 cents.

So what does this mean?

• I don't believe that Prokhorov is bluffing.  I really believe the New Jersey Nets are out of the mix.
• I don't believe Carmelo wanted to play for the New Jersey Nets anyway.
• I think that if Carmelo isn't moved before the end of the season, he will have even more interest in what happens over the summer with regard to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• I'd imagine that Denver Nuggets fans will get to see Carmelo play through the end of the season, and therefore the "empty" seats that were noted in last night's game, should fill up
• I think that New York Knicks fans will have to hold their breath and wait to see what Donnie Walsh comes up with regard to an offer for Carmelo.

With regard to Richard "Rip" Hamilton sitting on the bench...  I don't really see a reason for him to play.  I doubt the Detroit Pistons will do anything this year.  Further it appears that coach, John Kuester (i.e. a Tarheel), wants to go another direction (i.e. read: younger).  Personally, I don't like watching solid-NBA vets sit, and I'd want to see Rip and his $11 million run up and down the court.  However, my opinion appears to be the minority.  I guess when you're preparing to rebuild, I guess the veteran presence doesn't matter.  ****  Hmmm, now that I think about it, it sounds a lot like the Washington Redskins' McNabb situation...

****  I took the pictures for this post during the Nuggets v Wizards game, February 2010.

THE WIRK

My picks: AFC and NFC championship games ~ Steelers and Packers

I'm going with the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

I saw the Packers play and lose to the Washington Redskins earlier this year at FedEx Field.  I didn't need to see the Packers defeat the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday to believe in the Packers.  I never really thought much about the Falcons to begin with...

Packers on offense

I saw the Chicago Bears lose to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year too.  I don't have any strong feelings about the Bears, but I'll admit I'm not really a Jay Cutler fan.  The most interesting thing about him for me right now is that he's dating Kristin Cavallari, and even that tidbit of info is getting old.

Bears on offense

I like the New York Jets, but I just can't get behind Mark Sanchez.  I don't believe that he thinks he's a winner.

Jets on offense

I didn't go to Heinz Field this year, but I was there in 2009 when the Steelers hosted the Cleveland Browns.

Steelers on offense

In Ben I trust.

The Packers and the Steelers are my picks.  Now we wait until Sunday...

As for the Super Bowl, I'm going to hold off on my prediction.

THE WIRK

NBA: My thoughts on the Eastern Conference ~ Can't we just pick 6?

I was talking to my friend, Teri, over the weekend and we were talking about the Eastern Conference and how it's "weak" relative to the Western Conference. 

The final 2 spots in the East as of now are being held by 2 teams that are below .500.  When was the last time any of you basketball fans were clamoring to see the Sixers or the Pacers this year?  Yeah, I know.  Me neither.

1. Boston Celtics
2. Miami Heat
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Atlanta Hawks
5. Orlando Magic
6. New York Knicks
7. Philadelphia 76ers (17-23)
8. Indiana Pacers (16-22)

Granted it's still early, but my initial reaction is "ewwwwwww". 

I like the Boston Celitcs on top and with Kevin Garnett back in the line-up, let's hope they stay healthy. Now I just need to check and see if there's a time table for Kendrick Perkins. I know Perkins has practiced, but last I saw he was on the bench during the game.

I'm anti-Lebron but pro-Dwyane Wade/Erik Spoelstra/Pat Riley, so I'm torn when it comes to the Miami Heat. Even being anti-Lebron, I have to admit that play when he twisted his ankle, went out of bounds, and then drained a 3 from the corner was impressive. Yes, I'm not blind. I saw it, and I was impressed.

How about Derrick Rose's triple double (i.e. granted it was against the Memphis Grizzlies, but it still counts)?!?!  What about Kyle Korver's 3-point shooting?  If those guys can keep up the effort and keep making shots while Boozer is out, then I'd consider the Chicago Bulls to be a viable threat.  I'm just not sure about their strength with Joakim Noah still out of the line-up.

I think the biggest surprise is Atlanta. In the words of Elmer Fudd, they've been "very, very quiet" yet the numbers don't lie (27-15).

I like the Knicks and am impressed with how well Amare Stoudemire is playing.  I anticipate heading to Madison Square Garden again before the NBA All-Star break to catch the Los Angeles Clippers and/or the Los Angeles Lakers in town.  I'm not sure how long the Knicks can continue to "bring it", but I am pulling for them.   

Those are my thoughts on the East.


THE WIRK

NBA International players to cross the pond if lockout ~ I say, "No"

I've been reading a couple of headlines related to international players in the NBA (e.g. Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko) and the plans they're "considering" if there's an lockout next season.  Having survived a NBA lockout in 1998 with an international player who also entertained offers from other teams in Europe (i.e. if I remember correctly, I remember a team in Spain was interested), I'm willing to call the player's bluffs.  If these guys start looking for their passports, my bet is that they're going for pleasure and NOT business.

I remember the NBA lockout "vacation" that was had.  To say that everyone was unhappy would be a lie.  Players who were committed to conditioning and rehab still worked out.  They just might've been found working out at MLB facilities, local community centers, and health clubs, etc.  From what I could see, for those players not living paycheck to paycheck and who were smart with their money, life was just fine.  It was good time off.  Recently I asked a writer what he did during the last NBA lockout, and he said he was more or less on vacation also.  After such a busy offseason with everyone chasing LeBron to get the scoop on his "decision", maybe it wouldn't hurt to have some NBA rest...  Just a thought, but I digress...

Is Okur going to hop a plane to Europe, if there's a lockout?

Is AK-47 taking his ammo across the pond, if there's a lockout?

I'm not about to read up on Okur and Kirilenko's contracts, but I do feel as though they're solid in the NBA and have viable careers.  I have no idea what their making in terms of $$$, but I do feel like the risk of injury overseas is too great.  We're not just talking about international competition like the Olympics and FIBA World Championships.  We'd be talking about a "season" or partial season.

If you think I'm buying the story that these guys (i.e. and not specifically Okur and Kirilenko) or anyone with a viable NBA career are going to pack up and head overseas, you're fooling yourself.  You'd have better luck selling me season tickets to one of the bottom dwelling NBA squads that are always mentioned in the same breath as the word "contraction".

****  Actually now that I think about it, both stories about an international player heading across the pond are about players with the Utah Jazz...  Random, but I think pure coincidence, since the Jazz are having success at 26-13.  FYI, I took the pictures for this post back in April 2009.


THE WIRK

Thunder defeat the Magic ~ Westbrook's triple double

The Thunder have me wanting to do something I've never done before...  I'm seriously thinking about going to Oklahoma City.  I've seen the Thunder on the road many times, and they're exciting to watch.  I have yet to see them play at home though.

Russell Westbrook had a triple double tonight (i.e. 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 boards).  I know Kevin Durant gets a lot of much deserved attention (i.e. 36 points tonight), but for those of you that aren't paying attention to Westbrook ~ get your head out of the sand and open your eyes!

Westbrook is tough, and the 1-2 punch of Durant and him is lethal.  Don't believe me?  Ask the Orlando Magic who lost tonight.  Final score of the game was 125-124.  The game was HOT. 

Dwight Howard had 39 points and 18 rebounds, and Orlando erupted in the 4th quarter.  However, the Thunder held on.


THE WIRK

Brandon Roy to have surgery on both knees ~ Everything isn't rosey in Portland

I was at the airport earlier today, and I saw on the ESPN crawl that Brandon Roy is going to  have surgery on both of his knees.  Wow.  That's just awful.  Talk about bad luck for him and the Portland Trail Blazers... 

I will admit right now that I don't pay attention to the Trail Blazers.  I was at the playoff game between the Blazers and the Phoenix Suns on April 20, 2010.  If I remember correctly (i.e. and my files are correct) it was a Game 4.  Brandon Roy actually returned to the Blazers line up that game and dropped 10 points. 

The Blazers won that game by a score of 96-87.

It's no secret that the Blazers have been plagued with injuries.  Back when they used to put the team on national TV, it'd be like the boardgame "Operation" when the announcers would circle the team's injuries on the body.  Greg Oden's injuries have been well documented so there's no point in getting into them here...

Things are definitely not "rosey" at the Rose Garden...  Last year, I saw Brandon Roy return.  I'm not sure I'll see the same thing happen this year.


THE WIRK

1+1+2+1 = 5 technical fouls in 10 seconds ~ Ken Mauer stole the show in Minneapolis

I found a video on Youtube of Ken Mauer giving out five technical fouls to the Minnesota Timberwolves last night, when they hosted the San Antonio Spurs.  The video isn't that great, but I'll take it.



Here is the order for the technical fouls:

1. Corey Brewer
2. Darko Milicic
3. Kurt Rambis
4. Kurt Rambis, and
5. Kevin Love

Yep, 1+1+2+1 = 5 techs in 10 seconds.

I don't know if I'm alone, but it kind of reminds me of the scene in the movie, "Clue", where the Butler tries to count the bullets in the gun.


THE WIRK

Lakers crush the Cavs, and LeBron tweets about karma

For those of you not on Twitter, I have no idea what it's going to take for you to get with the times if you're a sports fan.

Check the latest Tweet from Lebron James (aka KingJames on Twitter): "Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!"

Yeah, the Cleveland Cavaliers just got blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers.  The Cavs were without Anderson Varejao, and the fact that that makes such a difference is sad in itself.  The final score of the game was 112-57.

Ouch.

I think that the Cavs should offer Ted Williams (i.e. the man with the voice) more than an announcing job.  Perhaps they should let the man try out for the team.  It couldn't get much worse...  Could it?!?!

Ugh.  I'm not a fan of contraction for the NBA, but I do think based on some of the box scores I've been seeing that the NBPA and NBA should explore the idea of a mercy rule.  Some of these teams are just horrendous...

I feel bad for Byron Scott.


THE WIRK

Spurs defeat the Timberwolves ~ Rambis left in the 3rd, Beasley left in the 4th

$20 tonight would've gotten you a ticket to see the San Antonio Spurs v Minnesota Timberwolves.  The final score was 107-96.  Kevin Love had another double-double, 20 points and 20 boards.  Michael Beasley played but has been bothered by a bad ankle.  Luke Ridnour and Martel Webster both contributed 18 points in the losing effort.  The Timberwolves shot poorly all night, 38% was the field goal percentage. 

 No one will beat the Spurs shooting 38%.  It's not rocket science.

The Spurs were just too tough for Kurt Rambis' squad.  Correction:  Maybe I should say Bill Laimbeer's squad since the technical fouls were flying and Rambis was ejected with about 8:30 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter.

I knew that the Spurs would win tonight, but I thought that perhaps the Timberwolves would raise their level of play to compete.  I also thought tonight's game would be a chance for Gregg Popovich to rest his "starters".  I was wrong.  Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker all contributed substantial minutes and balanced scoring. 

As much as I'm not a Tony Parker fan, I can't deny the fact that the man is good.  Here's a picture of him in the air, after driving the lane, and dishing the ball to a teammate for an assist.

There wasn't much energy in the Target Center tonight.  I think the most fan energy came out during the t-shirt toss.  Regardless, for $20, I was pleased with the level of entertainment and had plenty of Tweet material. 

There was a very scary moment for Timberwolves' fans when Beasley drained a 3 with just under 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter.  He landed and immediately grabbed his ankle.  He was able to get up, but hopped as he was helped off the court. 

Spurs maintain their dominance and improve to 32-6.  Timberwolves settle for 9-30, and everyone hopes Beasley's not hurt seriously.

Here are my Tweets from the game.   If you're not following, you're missing out.  Most recent Tweets are on top and the older ones are towards the bottom.

• Beasley just drained a 3 and went down. Had to be helped off court. He hopped to locker room. #Twolves v #Spurs. Fans headed to exits.
• They're tossing t-shirts into crowd and finally Target Center wakes up. Game isn't out of reach for #Twolves v #Spurs but no energy here.
• #Twolves fg% is 39%... Shooting is so cold in here, that I might need my handwarmers from the AFC Wildcard game in KC. #Spurs up 93-83.
• With 8:36 left in the 3rd, Kurt #Rambis is ejected. The techical fouls are flying now. Kevin #Love just got one also. #spurs v #twolves
• #Twolves hype guys just said something about the best entertainment in the #WNBA. Um, huge slip up. This isn't a WNBA game, is it? #Spurs
• Latino night at Target Center so we got to listen to genie in a bottle in Spanish. Really? Is that the best song to play? #Spurs #Twolves
• 2 minutes into the game and Tony Parker doesn't look like he's texting... Good news is that he hadn't scored yet either. #spurs v #twolves
• Why they even assigned seat locations to these tickets is nuts. Should be open seating like at a movie theater #Spurs v #Twolves
• #Spurs v #Timberwolves... #Beasley playing... Let's make it a ball game!

I just got a technical foul from Ken Mauer...  Wait..  What?!!?  LOL.

THE WIRK

Athlete, Coach, or Media ~ How would you choose?

I've been doing some thinking, since I've been seen some things and been hearing a lot of stories lately.  If you're playing a game of FMK and these are your choices: athlete, coach, or media person, what would you decide?  Obviously, you have to use the generalities and stereotypes associated with each type of person but like I said, I'm curious what people think.  It might be a simple decision for some of you, but I think it's a very careful one that people who wade in this pool need to ponder before jumping in.  I think people get very short-sided and don't think about the consequences of their actions.  I've seen naive girls get swept up in it all and spit out.  People need to remember that once you lose respect, you've basically lost everything. 

My feeling is this...

Athlete - road trips, groupies, etc. are a problem because too many people know and may target them; your anonymity can be compromised easily
Coach - generally older and in charge of the players, tells you and them what you're doing wrong or right, may or may not be a former athlete who's known; your anonymity may or may not be compromised
Media - might tell the world about it if something happens; not many people know who they are unless they're really into sports

****  I guess we could add front-office in the mix, but for the sake of this argument, let's leave them out for now.

The choices are just lovely, right?

Assuming you find all 3 choices attractive, in the hierarchy of the sports world, does the athlete always rank #1?  I say, NO, but what do I know.  I guess it depends on what the person wants.  Anyway, like I said, it's just something I've been doing some thinking about.


THE WIRK

Ravens defeat the Chiefs in the AFC Wildcard game ~ Cross Arrowhead off my list

Cross Arrowhead Stadium off the list.  I went to Sunday's AFC Wildcard game and watched the Baltimore Ravens play the Kansas City Chiefs.

I have some dear friends who think I've got "issues".  That's fine.  Everything is a means to an end, and my goal is to hit all the stadiums, arenas, and ballparks for professional football, basketball, and baseball.  Friday I was basketball.  Sunday was for football. 

I travel because I want to and because I can.  I have plenty of frequent flier miles and time.  I have status on various airlines and don't mind air travel.  Plus, unlike most of the people that complain about my schedule ~ I'm YOUNGER by at least 10 years.  ****  That's right.  I know some of you are lying about your age, but I KNOW I'm younger, and therefore I have more energy.

My journey to Kansas City started early.  It was my first trip to Kansas City and my first trip to Arrowhead Stadium.  I'll make it back to Kansas City eventually to see a Royals game, but then I'll probably just cross the city off the list.  There were so many Baltimore Ravens fans on my flight that it might as well have been a charter.  When I arrived in KC it was almost 10AM so I decided to grab a cab and head to the stadium.  I'll tell you right now that a cab to the stadium isn't cheap.  However, I'd rather pay than deal with driving, parking, and refueling a rental car when I do short trips like this.

Arriving at the "New Arrowhead" stadium a little before 11 was perfect, because it gave me time to check out the Chiefs Hall of Honor.  ****  I asked the old man sitting next to me why it's called the New Arrowhead Stadium and he said it's not "new", but that it's been re-done.  Well that explains that.

As I took in the sights and sounds around me, I tried not to freeze to death in the 14 degree temperature.  ****  There was snow on the ground.  I spent $8 on two packs of handwarmers.  With one warmer in each boot and coat pocket, I managed to hang in there for the whole game. 

Honestly, I need to make a mental note to plan on the weather before I decide to settle on a game.  Why on Earth did I think Kansas City would be warm?!?!  I must be losing it...  Relatively speaking though, the game was nothing compared to the AFC Championship game in 2004 (i.e. Indianapolis Colts v New England Patriots).  Foxboro in January is brutal.  The old man and his buddy chatted me up during the game and even brought me back a hot chocolate.  Nice guys, but I expected nothing less since I was in the Midwest.

As the game started it appeared that the Kansas City Chiefs were going to make a ballgame of it.  Matt Cassel definitely had his work cut out for him with the Baltimore Revens' defense.  I figured out who Jamaal Charles was as he proved to be a force on offense.

At the end of the day, the Ravens dominated the game and defeated the Chiefs.  I saw Ray Lewis sack Matt Cassel in the 4th quarter, and all I can say is that I'm happy I wasn't the one being thrown onto the ground.  Ouch.  I've never been a huge Joe Flacco fan either, but he has my attention now.  The final score for the AFC Wildcard game was 30-7, and the Ravens advanced to play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday afternoon.

After the game, I went straight to the airport to catch my flight.  Coincidentally I arrived at KCI at the same time the Baltimore Ravens did.  As I walked with them into the airport, I saw some kids in Ravens' jersey cheering them on.  I mustered a "good game, guys" and kept it moving.  It's not like I can recognize a football player without his jersey on, so sticking around and taking pictures would be stupid.

I did notice a Raven following me, so I turned around to him and he asked me if I knew where the Southwest ticket counter was located.  I told him I thought he was in the wrong area and that Southwest was either behind us or in a different terminal.  Nice guy.  I told him I was on my way back to Baltimore, but obviously he was headed somewhere different than his team.  I asked the guy in the gift shop for directions for him and then walked to my gate.

When I got home I checked the Ravens' roster and the mystery Raven, was Ed Dickson, Oregon alumnus.  He was obviously on his way to Phoenix to watch (2) Oregon and (1) Auburn play each other for the BCS National Championship. 

Even though Sunday was a football day, there's no escaping basketball.  Check out the exchange I had with my cab driver on the way back to the airport.

Cab driver: I came here to play basketball.

Me: You look like a 4.

Cab driver: What?

Me: You heard me.

Cab driver: You know ball?

Me: I know lots of stuff...

THE WIRK