Officiating, Blake To BK, Jazz's Respect, Suns Rising Headlines NBA's 2nd Half. Zags/Baylor Inevitable? NHL's Wilson Suspension & Reputation. Lou Gehrig Day. 50th Anniv Of Ali-Frazier
The sports universe continues to travel at warp speed, so let me navigate you through the stratosphere as I have a lot to share as Episode 183 is ready for takeoff! On deck:
(4:56) The NBA All-Star Game has come and gone. It’ll be a rather swift recap as there are other important things to discuss. CORRECTION: Anfernee Simons is a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, NOT the Toronto Raptors. I had Raptors stuck in my head because he wore a throwback Tracy McGrady jersey to honor him in the dunk contest. Such as, the officiating and the interminable final two minutes of close ball games to start. I’ll also talk about the Blake Griffin signing to Brooklyn. Will he be a contributor to their rise in the East? The Joel Embiid/Ben Simmons COVID watch. James Harden’s return to Houston and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta’s declaration of retiring Harden’s #13 with the franchise. (????) Utah’s respect factor in the West. An uprising in Phoenix and much more!
(33:01) Is a clash between Gonzaga and Baylor for the national title a foregone conclusion? Why I think Gonzaga needs to lose before the tournament? Michigan takes a slip and fall. Illinois shines in Big 10. Ohio State plummets. So does West Virginia. I’ll have an up to the minute review in college basketball as we enter Conference Championship Week as we’re just days away from Selection Sunday.
(42:38) The Washington Capitals, Tom Wilson draws a suspension for slamming Bruins D, Brandon Carlo into the boards. I have a logical and simple reason (although the league will NEVER let it happen) as to curtailing hits like that and why the NHL needs to enforce it? The retirement of Blackhawks D, Brent Seabrook. The Flames hire another coach as the coaching carousel continues in Calgary. The untimely death of Mark Pavelich.
(56:42) All is quiet in the MLB, but there are a few things to highlight. Shohei Ohtani’s progress as a starting pitcher. Trevor Bauer’s ‘one eyed’ perfect inning. Will that spark the Padres? Indians’ Jose Ramirez and Franmil Reyes COVID trials. The Mickey Callaway saga continues. Aaron Boone’s recovery. And why Lou Gehrig Day is what the MLB needs to connect with their history and the fans?
(1:08:17) The NFL will open for their business year next Wednesday. with JJ Watt leading the way to Arizona. Plus, Alex Smith’s candid comments on his departure from Washington.
(1:11:42) Bryson Dechambeau wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Will he pick up momentum as The Masters are a month away.
(1:12:53) Today marks the Golden Anniversary of arguably, the greatest sports night/event in the history of sports. Revisiting Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden and the impact it had during that time and still resonates today.
(1:19:05) Plus, my Hero and Zero of the Week.
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Intro/outro music by Cyklonus.