Smoke and Mirrors: The Firing of Butch Davis

Behind all the smoke and mirrors lie a plethora of violations, and expect the NCAA Infractions Committee to drop the proverbial "hammer"on UNC football.  

The biggest surprise yesterday was not that UNC Head Football Coach, Butch Davis was fired, the surprise came with the timing of the termination. 


Somehow, the most scrutinized head coach under the NCAA survived a full season and most of the off season with his job.  He kept his job last season despite embarrassing allegations kept surfacing, from the conduct of his assistant head coach, the behavior of players and their tutor, improper benefits given to players such as Marvin Austin & Greg Little, to a large number of fines in the form of parking tickets.  


All of these violations have been brought to light over the past year, yet Davis has continued to keep his position a top the football program.  So the real question to ask is "Why now?"


There can only be one reason why Chancellor Holden Thorpe & A.D. Dick Baddour have chosen to fire Davis less that two weeks before training camp starts.


New information must have surfaced behind closed doors that will link coach Davis directly to these violations, and the North Carolina Athletic Department, along with Butch Davis, will not be able to deny so the school decided it was best to cut Davis loose in order to save face.  


Thorp and Baddour have supported Butch Davis for more than a year, despite the allegations continuing to pile up all around them.  After being in coach Davis' corner for so long, there is no reason for them to wake up yesterday and decide to let him go, unless they have no choice.  


At the North Carolina press conference this morning, expect Thorp and Baddour to thank Butch Davis and have wonderful words to say about him as a person, coach and leader.  Expect them to say "we feel it is time to restore the integrity of the university and North Carolina's football program."


But, do not expect them to bring to light any new information that proves Butch Davis' guilt.  Even if they have irrefutable evidence, this press conference will be about thanking coach Davis, apologizing to the fans and possibly naming an interim head coach.   


The truth will reveal itself in due time, when the cell phone records of players and coaches, including Butch Davis are released and the NCAA lays down their verdict in October.  


North Carolina has been as compliant as possible with the NCAA, revealing all their secrets in exchange for what they hope will be a lighter sentence.  But, this will not save the Tar Heels.  Behind all the smoke and mirrors lie a plethora of violations, and expect the NCAA Infractions Committee to drop the proverbial "hammer"on UNC football.

The Greatest Sports Prayer Ever!

Here is a fun video from the NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Nashville, Tennessee.  Pastor Joe Nelms delivers perhaps the most hilarious prayer ever seen at a sporting event.

Heavenly Father, we thank you tonight for all your blessings. You said in all things give thanks so we want to thank you tonight for these mighty machines that you’ve brought before us. 

Thank you for the Dodge’s and the Toyota’s. Thank you for the Ford’s and most of all we thank you for Roush and Yates partnering to give us the power we see before us tonight. 

Thank you for GM Performance Technology and the RO7 engines. Thank you for Sunoco Racing fuel and Goodyear tires that bring performance and power to the track. 

Lord, I want to thank you for my smokin’ hot wife tonight, Lisa. And my two children Eli and Emma, or as we like to call them the little E’s. 

Lord, I pray and bless the drivers and use them tonight. May they put on a performance worthy of this great track. In Jesus name, boogity, boogity, boogity, Amen!

- Mason McVerry

Mayhem: Be Prepared for the Wildest Off-Season Week in NFL History

Al Pacino once said, "I don't want the labor pains, I just want the baby."

NFL fans have been experiencing the miserable pains of labor for over 130 days during this NFL lockout.

However, today NFL fans can breath a sigh of relief as their beautiful baby has arrived in the form of a 2011 NFL Season.  

This coming week is going to be just as crazy as bringing a newborn home for the first time, so here's a breakdown of what to expect during what will be the CRAZIEST OFF-SEASON WEEK in NFL history.

Monday

- The NFL published the official list of all free agents available for signing.  This list includes, restricted, unrestricted, rookies, released and undrafted players.  Teams cannot talk to these players directly, however this does give teams the opportunity to break down the list and see which players fit their programs the best.  (Don't worry, teams have been doing this for months already)

- Notable Free Agents include Oakland Raider defensive back, Nnamdi Asomugha & Matt Hasselbeck, quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks.

Tuesday

- Trades between teams can officially begin.  This includes trading players, draft picks and even cash.  Many teams throughout the NFL are looking to make trades in order to get under the new salary cap of $120million.  Some big names that could be on the move this week are Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) and Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints).  All three of these players will more than likely have a new team next year and they could all be shipped off in the same week.

- Every team is allowed to sign rookies and undrafted free agents.  Expect rookies to receive much less than last years' draft class because of the new rookie wage scale & the new team salary cap.  Some notable undrafted free agents are Kendric Burney and Deunta Williams from North Carolina and Derrick Locke of Kentucky.

- Veteran free agents are allowed to negotiate, but not sign with NFL teams.  (Terrell Owens & Randy Moss among the names of veteran free agents)

- Players can report to team facilities for physicals and voluntary workouts

Wednesday

- Training camp opens for 10 NFL teams

- Broncos, Cardinals, Chargers, Cowboys, Eagles, Jaguars, Patriots, Raiders, Ravens, Seahawks

- Denver & Dallas may enter training camp lighter than usual because both teams will have to cut players in order to get back under the new salary cap.  (Denver +5million & Dallas +16.5million)

Thursday

- Training camp opens for 10 more NFL teams

- 49ers, Bengals, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Dolphins, Falcons, Lions, Redskins, Saints, Steelers

- Teams can cut players beginning at 4:01pm  

- Expect players such as, Albert Haynesworth, Nick Barnett, Vince Young, Chad Ochocinco and Brandon Jacobs to be cut from their respective teams.  The Ravens have already announced that Willis McGahee, Todd Heap and Derrick Mason will be cut before training camp.

- Many of these players will be resigned, just with lower salaries in order for teams to get under the salary cap.

Friday

- NFL teams can sign free agents.  Players do not have the ability to participate in physical team activities until August 4th.  

- This may be the most intense free agent signing day in NFL history

- Bears, Bills, Browns, Colts, Giants, Packers, Panthers, Rams, Titans, Vikings 

Sunday

- Final two NFL teams open training camp

- Jets & Titans

Be prepared for the wildest NFL off-season week in the league's history.

- Mason McVerry 

TOP 10 FREE AGENTS - NFC SOUTH

1.  DeAngelo Williams, the Carolina Panthers running back would be a solid addition to any NFL franchise.  Perhaps the most complete free agent running back this off-season, Williams has averaged over 4.8yds per carry since entering the NFL in 2006 and has wracked up over 4,200 yards in his career despite being sidelined for eight games in 2010.  The one-time Pro Bowler enjoys playing at Carolina with his sidekick Jonathan Stewart and has stated that he would prefer to stay.  But make no mistake, there will be teams throwing money at him on the open market and the Panthers cannot afford to lose a talented RB with their lackluster offense. 

2. Charles Johnson, this defensive end for the Carolina Panthers has only been in the NFL for three full seasons, yet has already totaled 114 tackles and 21 sacks.  At only 25 years old, Johnson may be perhaps the most sought after free agent defensive end this summer.  The age, plus production, plus potential, equals multiple Pro Bowls for Johnson's future and you can bet teams will be lined up around the block to bring Johnson to their city.  However, you can also bet that the Carolina Panthers will not let Johnson leave easily.  He could anchor their defensive line for years and potentially be the second coming of Julius Peppers.  Charles Johnson better be the Carolina Panthers number one priority this off-season.

3. Roman Harper, strong safety for the New Orleans Saints may not receive the recognition he deserves.  Playing on the same defense with a future Hall of Famer in Darren Sharper, it's easy for people to overlook him.  However, this two-time Pro Bowler is one of the main reasons why the Saints defense was ranked in the top six of both passing & rushing defenses for the NFC last season.  Since being drafted in 2006, Harper has started all 67 games he's appeared in at strong safely.  What he lacks in interceptions (4) he makes up for in tackling as he averages almost seven tackles per game and has produced over 400 tackles in five seasons.  Because the safety position does not see contact every play, there is a possibility he will produce Pro Bowl appearances even into his 30's.  Expect the Saints to do everything they can to keep the 28 year old Harper, because once Sharper retires he will be the force to reckon with in the New Orleans' secondary.  

4. Davin Joseph, a 6-3, 313lb mountainous man is the ideal size for an offensive guard and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't the only team that knows it.  Another product from the outstanding draft class of 2006, Joseph has started 57 games since winning his starting spot during training camp of his rookie year.  His 2010 season was cut short because of a broken foot, but his past production serves him well enough.  Offensive linemen do not produce the statistical flair that skill position players do, they rely on consistency and big-body athleticism.  Joseph has both of those traits and with the large amount of cap-room the Buccaneers have acquired since their rebuilding process began, they should have no problem hanging on to this beast.

5. Brent Grimes, began his career in 2007 on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, but the 5-10 defensive back fought his way into a starting position in only two years.  Grimes led the Falcons in interceptions during 2009 with six, then broke through in 2010 recording his first Pro Bowl selection.  Playing in every game since becoming a starter, Grimes has proven his durability in a position that is known for injuries.  With more experience under his belt there is no reason why the interception and tackling numbers won't go anywhere but up.  Even though the Atlanta Falcons pride themselves on their pass rushing ability, they will not want to lose a solid cornerback to lock down receivers on the outside.

6. James Anderson, the 27 year old linebacker for the Carolina Panthers is beginning to blossom into the tackling machine the Panthers always thought he would be when then selected him in the 3rd round of the 2006 draft.  Besides an injury that kept him sidelined for most of the 2008 season, Anderson has increased his tackling total every year he's been in the league.  2010 was the best year of Anderson's career as he was second on the team in tackles with 154, as well as compiling 3.5 sacks from the linebacker spot.  Anderson will be looking to cash in on his stellar season and teams will be interested in a young linebacker with his type of speed and agility.  The Panthers should look to keep Anderson, but not overpay simply because he had one good year.  All arrows put upward for the former Virginia Tech Hokie, but don't expect a huge pay day.

7. Matt Moore, a 6-3, 200lb quarterback from the Carolina Panthers has never been given a fair opportunity in his career to lead a quality NFL team.  In 2010 Moore was asked to win games with a make-shift offensive line, one decent receiver in Steve Smith and a front office who refused to spend money to improve their skill position players.  Moore has proven he can win by going 4-1 in the final five games of 2009 with an awful Panther team, throwing over 1,000 yards, eight touchdown and ended the season with a QB rating of 98.5.  Moore will enter 2011 coming off shoulder surgery, however he is only 26 years old so he will heal quickly and come back more motivated than ever.  Quarterbacks are projected to blossom around year four or five, so expect Moore to breakout in 2011, but only with the right team.  

8. Barrett Ruud, is perhaps one of the most underrated middle linebackers in the NFL and if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't careful another team will snatch him up.  Ruud has led the team in tackles for the past four years and the only reason he often goes unnoticed is that he does not make splash plays or bone-crushing hits.  He is a fundamentally sound, smart defensive player who is the quarterback of the Buccaneers defense.  Ruud is a consistent, durable player who has only missed one game since 2005, wracking up 618 tackles in the process.  A veteran, smart linebacker such as Barrett Ruud would be a solid edition to any team and he knows it.  Tampa Bay had the opportunity to offer Ruud a long-term deal last year when he was a restricted free agent, but now that he is unrestricted many expect him to explore his options around the league.  The Buccaneers should expect to pay more than last year if they want to keep Ruud because it only takes one team to start a bidding war.

9. Eric Weems, wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons makes the list over Saints receiver Lance Moore because of one reason, kick returning.  The 2011 Pro Bowl returner for the NFC was not who most expected (Devin Hester), it was little Eric Weems.  Standing 5-9, Weems averaged almost 30yds per kick return in 2010, as well as 13yds a punt return while posting 2 touchdown.  He makes up for his lack of receptions with consistent and solid special teams play.  With a receiving core of Harry Douglas, Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, it is easy to see why Weems' wide out numbers are down.  However, Weems could truly shine at the receiver position in a west coast style offense such as San Diego or New Endland, where he could play the slot and catch the ball in open space where he is most dangerous.  Expect Atlanta to try and keeps Weems, but not break the bank doing so.

10. Richard Marshall, the Carolina Panthers defensive back was finally given the chance to become a starter in 2009 & 2010 where he did not disappoint, totaling 88 tackles in each year, as well as 7 total interceptions.  At 5-11, 190lbs Marshall is a solid size for a corner back and his age (26) works to his advantage when possibly being signed to a long-term deal.  Marshall may be better suited as a nickle back and since Carolina already a younger version of Marshall in Captain Munnerlyn, they may opt-out of resigning Marshall and let him test the waters in free agency.  Expect the Panthers to try and make a splash with a big defensive back free agent signing, and if that happens Marshall will be picked up by another NFL team, just don't expect it to be for more than he is making right now.

The "Grand Slam" Agent

ANDREW "CHUBBY" CHANDLER

   
  Move over Drew Rosenhaus, take a seat Jerry McGuire, there is a new boss in the Sports Agent world and he is having the year of a lifetime.  

  The "Grand Slam" in the PGA Tour is when one golfer wins all four major championships in the same year.  The Masters, The US Open, The British Open and the PGA Championship.  

  Unfortunately, no one golfer has won all these majors during the 2011 season.  Charl Schwartzel won The Masters.  Rory McIlroy dominated the US Open.  Darren Clarke finally won The British Open after 20 years competing in it.  

  All three of these men won a major in 2011 for the first time in their careers.  However, that is not the only thing each of them have in common....

  They are all have the same agent: ANDREW "CHUBBY" CHANDLER

  The fifty-eight year old Andrew (Chubby) Chandler, from Bolton, England is the founder and director of a company called International Sports Management (ISM).  The organization is compiled of roughly 30 employees, representing about 40 golfers, 25 soccer players, 10 cricketers.

  2011 has been a solid year for Chandler's soccer players and cricketers, but his golfers have the chance to accomplish something for Chandler that no other Sports Agent in the world has been able to achieve.

  Represent all four golfers who win a major in the same year, aka. the PGA Tour Agent "Grand Slam."

  Chandler represents a stable of golfers who are considered favorites to win the PGA Championship this August.  Including the No. 2 ranked golfer in the world, Lee Westwood, who's consistency and pure putting skills prove he is due for a major championship win. 

  4 of the last 6 majors have been won by Chandler's golfers (Louis Oosthuizen, 2010 British Open Champion) which comes to a grand total of roughly $5.6 million in earnings.  Take Chandler's %10 agent fee out of that and you'll see that his year hasn't been so bad.

  The winner of the PGA Championship will take home $1.35 million.  

  So when you are watching the final day on August 14, cheer for one of Chandler's golfers.  Don't cheer because you want to put more money in an agent's pocket.

   Cheer because even though there is no trophy for the Agent "Grand Slam" and I just made it up, but because you will have the chance to see PGA Tour history. (Even if you're the only one who knows it)  

- Mason McVerry

  

  

  

  

   

    

America's Glimmering "Hope"

The U.S. women’s national team is America’s new media darling.  Ali Krieger, Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan have become household names after being splashed across the front pages of hundreds of newspapers over the past two weeks.

However, the team’s most popular player may be the most mysterious.

Goalkeeper, Hope Solo is perhaps the best player on team USA. So for all you soccer “fans” who tune in to watch every four years and will be watching our national team this Sunday at 2:45pm in the World Cup Championship against Japan and have no idea who Hope Solo, I have come to your rescue.

This short biography on Hope Solo will let you fans see more than just the outstanding athlete on the field.

Hope Amelia Solo was born on July 30, 1981 in Richland, Washington.  Hope developed a love for athletics at an early age, enjoying basketball, snowboarding, and beach volleyball, but soccer most of all.

Hope started as a forward all four years for the Richland High School Bombers.  Over her high school career, scoring 109 goals.  She was named a two-time Parade All-American.

Hope went to play for the University of Washington Huskies where she switched to the goalkeeper.  She adapted to her new defensive role and was named a four-time All-Pac-10 athlete and a three-time NSCAA All-American.

As a senior, she was the only goalkeeper in contention for the prestigious Hermann Award, and left the Huskies’ as Washington’s all-time leader in shutouts (18), saves (325), and GAA (1.02).

In 2000, Hope moved up to the full U.S. National Team. In 2003, she was drafted to the WUSA’s Philadelphia Charge.

Following her time with the Charge, she played in Sweden in the Swedish Premier Division in 2004 and for Olympique Lyonnais in the French First Division in 2005.

In 2005, Hope was promoted to the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. Team and started 7 matches, earning 7 shutouts.  In 2006, she played in 18 matches and her led the team to a 14-0-4 season.

Solo was the starting goalkeeper for the United States in the 2007 Women’s World Cup.  Heading into the semifinal match against Brazil, U.S. coach Greg Ryan benched Solo in favor of 36-year-old veteran U.S. keeper Briana Scurry, who had a strong history of performance against the Brazilians but had not played a complete game in three months.

The U.S. lost to Brazil 4–0, ending a 51–game undefeated streak.

Solo criticized Ryan’s decision.  ”It was the wrong decision, and I think anybody that knows anything about the game knows that. There’s no doubt in my mind I would have made those saves.  And the fact of the matter is it’s not 2004 anymore, it’s 2007 and I think you have to live in the present.  It doesn’t matter what somebody did in an Olympic gold medal game in the Olympics three years ago.”

Many viewed her comments as being critical of Scurry’s performance, although Solo released an apologetic statement the following day saying that was not her intent.

Hope once again joined the U.S. Women’s Olympic Soccer team in 2008, this time as the starting goalkeeper.

In Beijing during the 2008 Olympics, the United States’ team fought hard in the qualifying round and eventually advanced to the Gold Medal match against China.  The U.S. won 1-0 in extra time to win the Gold Medal.

In September 2008, Solo was drafted in the newly formed Women’s Professional Soccer league debuting in 2009.

Hope Solo is back at full-strength for the 2011 Women’s World Cup and poised to defeat Japan this Sunday and give the United States their first World Cup trophy since 1999.

-Mason McVerry

MLB: Get Off the Fence & Bust Out the Cash

The time has come for Major League Baseball to pick a side when it comes to the All-Star game and they have two options.

1.  Make the All-Star game the most important game of any of the professional major sports by enforcing strict rules to make players attend, as well as offering the greatest reward for the winning team.

2. Accept what the NFL, NBA & NHL already have, that the All-Star game is an entertainment spectacle for the fans and it needs to have more flash and excitement.

This year’s record number of all stars (84) reveals that the Mid-Summer Classic is starting to become more of an annoyance rather than honor to major league players.

Sixteen All-Stars won’t appear in the game, including 13 of the 68 originally chosen.  Big names like, David Price, Placido Polanco and Mariano Rivera have found ways to slip by the game and squeeze a few more hours of relaxation out of their vacations.  Even the poster child of baseball, Derek Jeter decided to take some time off and nurse his injured ankle back to health by walking along South Beach with TV & Film star girlfriend, Minka Kelly.

When the greatest players in the sport are intentionally trying to get out of playing in the all star game, the term “problem” is an understatement.

However, Major League Baseball have no fear because I have a simple and easy solution to all of your All-Star Game worries.

Solution: Choose Option #1

Major League Baseball has the richest history or any American sport and they take pride in their tradition, so why shy away from it now?  The NFL, NBA & NHL have the ability to get away with “entertainment” all-star games because that is the path they have chosen and that’s what the fans expect.  These leagues are completely comfortable with allowing their players to not play defense, give %50 effort and interact with the crowd to make it more enjoyable for the fans.

The MLB does not have this luxury because their All-Star Game was founded on the principle of rivalry and conference pride.  If you need proof, just ask Cleveland Indians’ catcher Ray Fosse who was bowled over by the Cincinnatti Reds’ Pete Rose in the 1970 All-Star Game.  Rose scored the winning run for the National League and separated Fosse’s shoulder in the process.

If that’s not conference pride, then I don’t know what is.  I don’t recall a Pro Bowl where Larry Fitzgerald was laid out by Ed Reed while going across the middle.

Two simple adjustments will make the MLB All-Star game the most watched and anticipated all-star exhibition in professional sports.

1.  Unless a player is injured or has an emergency, such as death in the family, THE GAME IS MANDATORY FOR ALL ALL-STARS.  If you do not show up to the game then you will not be paid.  Nothing motivates an athlete like the risk of having their money withheld.  The players will show, and they will play hard.

2.  Offer SUBSTANTIAL BONUSES to all players within the winning conference team.  However, if they are selected and do not show up to the game, they do not get their money, even if their team wins.  Player will play like it’s the postseason when money is involved and the fans will get a great game with max effort.

There you have it Baseball.  If you want to restore the glory of the all-star game then get off the fence and choose to make it so.  Make it clear to your players and fans that this is no ordinary game, this is a game of pride and tradition and even if you have to offer the players monetary rewards, then you will, because that’s what it’s going to take.  It is time to restore your MLB All-Star Game to its former glory, so break out the check book and all your problems will go away.

- Mason McVerry