With the merger of UFC and Strike Force going down today, many fighters must be pissed and worried about their future as an mma fighter. If UFC becomes the only company that fighters can go to, UFC will have all the leverage when it comes to contract negotiations. Which means maybe it's time for fighters to create a players union like the other major sports have (NFL, MLB and NBA) because at this point they will have no power to keep Zuffa from using them like cattle.
For the fans, this merger could only mean better fights, with bigger names and one step closer to legitimately calling their champion the best in the world.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Merger
Friday, March 11, 2011
Got The Message
After a close loss to the Miami Heat, Kobe was filmed shooting baskets after the game was over after everyone, including his teammates seemed to be hanging out in south beach. Probably drinking some colorful drink that is named after a sexual position or organ. Anyway, at first glance, I thought it was pretty cool to see a player put in the time and effort, which reminded me of some late nights I would spend (forced by my grandpa) after games, hitting toss up in the backyard until my hands were numb and the sun went down. However, after the sudden applause by the media, I wondered what was Kobe's motive. Was it to build up his image? After so many years in the league, I think Kobe's image is pretty much solidified in concrete or marble for that matter. Or maybe he just wanted to shoot some baskets after the game to hone his skills? Nah, that seems too simple and again this guy has been in the league for years, I think he has shot enough shots already. Or could it be that Kobe was sending a message to his teammates? If you listen to his interview, you wonder if his actions were a slap in the face to his mates. Maybe he wanted them to wake up and see that they needed to be as hungry as he was. Now if this is the case, will it work or will it give his teammates another reason to loath him and his unsatisfiable desire to win? I guess if you're winning it's easier to swallow.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Background Noise
Big news or background noise, those words flashes through my mind as another scandal involving college football strikes again. It's like clock work, the BCS system creates buzz around college football season while controversy turns up during the off-season to help remind people that college football is only a few months away. This cycle has gone on for so long that these supposed breaking news stories have become background noise. Everyone who follows college football could easily predict the outcome of Jim Tressel and deep down inside every fan knows that the BCS system is not going to change any time soon so why even spend the man power on ESPN covering the same old news that never changes. Sportscenter should consider it breaking news when something newsworthy happens, like the BCS finally being shutdown for good or that the NCAA is actually going to uphold its standards toward all teams equally. That's when you should roll out your 24 hour coverage and analysis. Cause right not, it's all background noise.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
More Than A Game
Just got through watching "More Than A Game" last night and I've got to say, I give it 4 stars. The way the director weaves the main story and each players personal bio's is well done and seamless. If you haven't seen this movie I would recommend you watch it on netflix (free streaming right now) or go to your local dvd store because it's worth the time. Believe me, my wife, who isn't a sports fan enjoyed the movie and if she did I know all of you will.
Here are a few take away moments from the movie and if you haven't seen it and are planning to don't read any further.
- One of the intriguing points of the movie is the impact the media scrutiny had on the team and specifically Lebron who was placed under the microscope. It's amazing how fickled the media are as you observe reporters first raising Lebron on a pedestal than deciding to turn on him after the "Hummer". Watching as grown men take pot shots at him in restaurants and wherever they played helped me to realize that James learned at a young age how quickly people can turn on you, which must have prepared him for his move out of Cleveland.
- Another aspect of the movie that stood out was the relationship of the Fab 4. A story of loyalty and brotherhood, you learn throughout the movie how important their relationship on the court were to each other. How many of these young men faced challenges at home and utilized their love for each other and the game of basketball to overcome their challenges. This experience may be one of the reasons why James decided to play with people he called his friends and when Wade and Bosh chose Miami it may have been easier for him as he understood that wherever his friends were that's where he would be. (James and the others chose their high school because one of the Fab 4 (Dru) would have a better chance playing).
Friday, March 4, 2011
Reminiscing
On the day of its birth, the UFC caught the attention of many fans through its novelty and raw violence that filled the octagon. During its infancy there were little to no rules (no biting, eye gauging or head butting) and with the novelty of an open weight class, audiences were able to witness first hand whether or not size mattered. Fighters from many different disciplines faced off but unlike todays current crop of fighters, many possessed only one skill set and because of that many witnessed the power of Gracie Jiu Jitsu as it dominated the early UFC events.
Now fast forward to today. UFC has changed dramatically, from weight classes to new rules built to protect fighters, the fight game has changed. No longer are fighters asked to battle 4 times in one night (now they may fight 3 or 4 times in a year). With this progression, UFC has been able to hold events all over the country and around the globe but their success has come with a price. Now many fighters view fighting as a sport and has brought in concepts such as game plans and point fighting. These ideas has given birth to fighters stalling by laying and praying.
However, tonight as I watched Diego Sanchez square off against Martin Kampmann, I was reminded of the old days when fighters would stand toe to toe and wail on each other. These kinds of fights are what put butts in the seats and for these two warriors money in their pockets (Fight of the Night Bonus).
Thanks for the memory guys and I hope Diego is able to fix his face because that was one nasty cut.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Simplicity
This past weekend I was able to watch some high school baseball with my family. Our experience was filled with Hawaiian style baseball park food like spam musubi and chili. Surrounded by old timers (most of them were Japanese of course) and parents, which created an atmosphere that blasted me back to simpler times. A period in which playing baseball and hanging out with friends were the only things that mattered. I wasn't worried about finding a job or losing weight or any other crap that gets in the way of enjoying life. That time seemed to be enjoyable because it was simple. I wasn't worried about the future and so the present is what really mattered to me. Alas, when you become an adult, responsibilities don't go away, they just pile up and on top of each other day after day until finally you look up and realize you are way over your head and in quite a precarious position.
So what do I do? I keep it simple. Like my grandpa would always say, "Stick to the basics and everything else will fall into place." Of course he was referring to baseball but as we all know the sport of baseball is a great metaphor for life. As a fielder needs to bend his knees to pick up a ground ball, I need to do the basic, simple things to get my life moving forward again. For instance, opening my mouth and talking story with friends, family and former coworkers can help build a larger network to assist me in finding a suitable job. Something as simple as talking can lead to something, just as bending ones knees can help a player keep the ball from sneaking under his glove.
"Just keep it simple and everything else will fall into place." Thanks for the advice grandpa.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Sent Packing
When the news scrolled across the screen on ESPN announcing the trade of Kendrick Perkins, the first thought that popped into my head was Coach Doc's declaration to the NBA world, “They (Lakers) still have not beaten our starting five. Our starting five against the Lakers starting five has a ring. Tell him don’t forget that. We will be back strong and Perk will be there next year if there’s a Game 7” (Los Angeles Times, August 24, 2010).
Quite a bold and strong statement came crashing down today as Perkins was sent packing to Oklahoma for Jeff Green and the other guy. I guess there isn't going to be a Game 7 after all. This move just solidifies my belief that players such as Chris Paul and Dwight Howard should use the leverage they have as a superstar because once you're not those owners who sing your praises will one day send you packing. There is no such thing as loyalty in a professional sport. It's all about money and winning, in that order.
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