Every professional athlete wants to win. It's a very simple concept. Winning equals success and happiness. This week, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson stated his desire to win. During his weekly radio appearance, Johnson, whose rookie contract is up in two years, discussed his future in Detroit.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Johnson stated, "I've won 11 games since I've been here in four years. Losing definitely sucks, and you definitely don't want to be around losing. You can't get used to that." Through three-plus seasons, the 25-year-old Johnson has 33 career receiving touchdowns.
He continued, "I've been used to winning. And, if this thing can't get turned around, man, like I said, I'm just going to leave it at - I can't get used to it. I want to win." Johnson's frustrations are showing. He also complained about the team's inability to break defenses' Cover 2.
If the Lions want any shot at Johnson in 2013, they need to start making a push at the playoffs. A huge part of that will be the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Oh, and you better believe that Calvin Johnson, a sure-fire elite receiver on a decent squad, will be asking for top-receiver money.
-RLM
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Champions Classic in 2011
During a day in which Urban Meyer was all the talk, the college basketball world will have an exciting, new start for the 2011 season. In November of next year, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State - all elite college basketball programs - will play in the Champions Classic.
For 2011, the four teams will play in New York. The following year, it will be held in Atlanta. And, in 2012, Chicago will be the tournament's home. ESPN has the television rights to the Classic. With these four teams meeting interchangeably over the next three years, college basketball shall truly begin in November.
-RLM
For 2011, the four teams will play in New York. The following year, it will be held in Atlanta. And, in 2012, Chicago will be the tournament's home. ESPN has the television rights to the Classic. With these four teams meeting interchangeably over the next three years, college basketball shall truly begin in November.
-RLM
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Josh McDaniels out, I'm not Surprised
Monday evening it was determined that Josh McDaniels had been fired as head coach of the Denver Broncos. In less than two seasons with Denver, McDaniels went 8-8 last year and 3-9 in 2010. When it all comes down to it, the National Football League is about winning. You don't win, you might as well pack up and go home.
When McDaniels was signed in February of 2009, he was a hot item. As the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator, he was aided by having one of history's best quarterbacks - Tom Brady. Immediately, McDaniels made waves in Denver by attempting to trade Jay Cutler in a three-team deal for Matt Cassel, who McDaniels coached in 2008 with New England.
That was simply the beginning. He eventually traded talented players like Cutler, wide receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Peyton Hillis. But, to top it all off, McDaniels had an assistant record a 49ers' walk-through practice before the game in London. The NFL fined the 34-year-old a cool $50,000. Essentially, it was SpyGate II.
McDaniels thought he was Bill Belichick before he had any of the reputation or record of Belichick. McDaniels didn't win enough in Denver, and he created scandal in the Mile High city. Those are two things Broncos owner Pat Bowlen never wanted when he fired Mike Shanahan after the 2008 season.
-RLM
When McDaniels was signed in February of 2009, he was a hot item. As the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator, he was aided by having one of history's best quarterbacks - Tom Brady. Immediately, McDaniels made waves in Denver by attempting to trade Jay Cutler in a three-team deal for Matt Cassel, who McDaniels coached in 2008 with New England.
That was simply the beginning. He eventually traded talented players like Cutler, wide receiver Brandon Marshall and running back Peyton Hillis. But, to top it all off, McDaniels had an assistant record a 49ers' walk-through practice before the game in London. The NFL fined the 34-year-old a cool $50,000. Essentially, it was SpyGate II.
McDaniels thought he was Bill Belichick before he had any of the reputation or record of Belichick. McDaniels didn't win enough in Denver, and he created scandal in the Mile High city. Those are two things Broncos owner Pat Bowlen never wanted when he fired Mike Shanahan after the 2008 season.
-RLM
Monday, December 6, 2010
Why Jayson Werth?
I couldn't help but ask myself why Sunday night when former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth signed a huge contract with the Washington Nationals. The 31-year-old Werth agreed to a seven-year, $126 million deal with the NL East's whipping boy. The deal was shocking, to say the least.
After winning the 2008 World Series with the Phillies, Werth's agent Scott Boras stated his client wasn't too interested in winning another ring soon. Closing out his fourth season in Philadelphia last season, Werth hit .296 with 27 homers, 85 runs batted in and 106 runs. Touted as a top-three free agent, along with pitcher Cliff Lee and outfielder Carl Crawford, Werth was searching for the big bucks.
Now, I'm all for players getting paid as much as they can in their careers. But, Werth going to the Nationals kind of broke my heart. The Nationals, a team that won't be good for another two or three years. Not the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels or any other roster that pays enormous sums for free agents.
He goes to the Washington Nationals, where he will, most likely, end his career. No more rings, but loads and loads of money. That's professional sports.
-RLM
After winning the 2008 World Series with the Phillies, Werth's agent Scott Boras stated his client wasn't too interested in winning another ring soon. Closing out his fourth season in Philadelphia last season, Werth hit .296 with 27 homers, 85 runs batted in and 106 runs. Touted as a top-three free agent, along with pitcher Cliff Lee and outfielder Carl Crawford, Werth was searching for the big bucks.
Now, I'm all for players getting paid as much as they can in their careers. But, Werth going to the Nationals kind of broke my heart. The Nationals, a team that won't be good for another two or three years. Not the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels or any other roster that pays enormous sums for free agents.
He goes to the Washington Nationals, where he will, most likely, end his career. No more rings, but loads and loads of money. That's professional sports.
-RLM
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