Category Archives: KOBE

04

Oct. ’11

It’s Not Whether You Win Or Lose … It’s All About the Money!

If we learned nothing else, we learned that the primary result of the NFL Lockout has been multiple avoidable injuries. The owners never suffered, the players did. The sloppy play of the preseason and the first few games of the regular season has shown us what happens when players are not able to work with NFL trainers and coaches, and run drills over and over again. INJURIES. TURNOVERS. SACKS. PENALTIES.

Players came back to work out of shape, and out of sync. They lost time that could have been used to study the playbook and watch film, and PRACTICE. Did anyone else notice how many guys were huffing and puffing after every down? Did you see them sucking on oxygen on the sidelines, or running to the locker room to get an I.V.? I’m not saying this to criticize them, but to remind everyone (owners, players, fans, spectators, vendors) who has any kind of stake in this type of business who the real losers in this year’s lockout are. No, it’s not the players, because it’s all about the money. The real losers are those of us who pay for tickets and travel to see these guys play. The losers are those of us who pay extra fees for NFL Sunday Ticket on DirectTV, and who pay the now-ten-bucks-a-month to keep the NFL Mobile app on our phones. We not only deserve the entire season to look forward to, but we should get our money’s worth.

We’re stuck, though, because we’re SportsFanLunatics. As mad as I was, I knew that when the season began, I would be right there. They know it, too. That’s reason #97 why it sucks to be a fan of professional sports.

NOW we have the NBA Lockout to look forward to. I will say this … prepare yourselves for inferior play and a possibly less-than-stellar season, if we get a season at all. (We will, you know. Because it’s ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!)

© 2011 SportsFanLunatic.com
By posting our content, you agree to credit this author and/ or provide a link to this website.

Posted by . Categories: Blog, health, KOBE, NBA, news, sports. Tags: , , , , , , , , , . 5 Comments

27

Nov. ’10

5 Reasons Why I’m Mad at LeBron

Nike MVP Puppets

I’ve said this many times: “I’m a fan of the GAME.” For the most part, it’s true. I do have faves as far as who I prefer to cheer for…oh, alright, full disclosure: I am Kobe Bryant‘s biggest fan. I love the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers, but that’s not the reason that I’m not a fan of LeBron James. I tried. I really did. I was impressed with his statistics, butI’ve never been able to admire his GAME.

I got really upset while I watched the “announcement” of his choice of the Miami Heat as his next ball club and heard him refer to the team as now having “two stars and a superstar.” As I listened to him speak, I realized that he was referring to himself (ringless) as the superstar, and not Dwayne Wade. What the … ?

So, here are 5 reasons why I’m mad at LeBron, in no particular order. If you know him personally, please let him know that I’m willing to become a fan of his (I know, right?) if he would work on these things and get past them. 

  1. There are no more Nike MVP (Most Valuable Puppet) commercials. I loved these commercials, and Little Dez was sooooo stinkin’ cute! Now that there is no (ridiculous) perceived special rivalry between Kobe and LeBron for the Championship, and now that LeBron has moved to South Beach, I guess there’s no reason for Nike to produce these ads? Bummer.
  2. Mike Brown got fired, and it’s LeBron’s fault. Oh, don’t get me wrong…I didn’t think Mike deserved to keep his job. He clearly had no control over his players, especially when he allowed them to do their unprofessional dancing on the sidelines during games, but now that he’s not coaching, he’s an annoying sports analyst on some of the NBA League Pass channels. Who in the world wants to watch him make crazy faces and talk about something that he obviously doesn’t know enough about? Just sayin…
  3. I’m mad at LeBron because he can’t spell. Get this dude a tutor, someone, and prove to him that “TEIAM” is not the proper spelling of “TEAM.” Maybe then he will realize that playing one or two on five is NOT what the NBA is about.
  4. I’m really mad at LeBron because he didn’t beat up on Delonte West when TMZ broadcast the news about the affair that Delonte had with LeBron’s Mom, and how it was hidden from him. This is wrong on many levels. Delonte needed a butt-whipping, badly.
  5. LeBron is responsible for the media failing to give the Lakers their due as World Champions this year. There was so much hype about LeBron’s free agency that nobody talked about the Lakers. This should NEVER happen. I believe that it was intentional on LeBron’s part. Media whore. (yeah…I said it.)

For the record, I am aware that the NBA is a business. I believe that players should feel free to make the decisions that are best for them and their families. You’ll notice that I’m not mad at LeBron because he left Cleveland. I probably would have stayed, but that’s just me. As a Lakers fan, I was hoping he would go somewhere else and level the playing field some. I even hoped that the Heat would turn out to be all that they thought they would be already. (haha)

That’s because those of us who love the GAME believe in the competitive nature of athletes. We admire and appreciate their knowledge, skills and abilities. We quote their statistics and have long conversations about them. We do not, however, enjoy watching crazy ball hogs and obvious negative attitudes. We do not like to see tantrums and those who refuse to own up to their problems…those who continuously make excuses when things don’t go their way.

Michael Jordan‘s recent video rebuttal to LeBron’s Nike Ad “What Should I Do?” is proof that there are many of us who are mad at LeBron James. The video is on youtube, so if you haven’t seen it yet, please check it out.

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17

Nov. ’10

Competitive Sports at the Office

Who knew that a workshop functions the same way as a competitive sport? I am writing this while sitting through (I mean, in) a workshop with 6 others, including the presenter. What is happening in this room can only be characterized as HILARIOUS, but while I watch this comedy I cannot help but notice how similar it is to a sport.

The workshop presenter is the Coach. She’s responsible for keeping order and executing her plan for what will happen in this room, around this table. She obviously has thought this thing through well in advance, because she has a PowerPoint Presentation that looks very professional, and her demeanor is calm and relaxed. Basically, she is in charge, and is quite comfortable in this role.

The competitors:

  • Old Dude has a permanent scowl that is so ever-present that I am wondering if he had it placed by a plastic surgeon. Complete with dark rimmed glasses that he somehow balances at the very end of his (rather large) nose; this guy’s face seriously looks like he wants to fight someone.
  • Crochet Lady had the nerve to bring her knitting bag with a pair of gigantic crochet needles and a ball of the ugliest blue yarn I have ever had the misfortune to see. I decided that she must have an anxiety disorder, because she crocheted as if her very life depended upon it for the first 45 minutes of the workshop.
  • Miss Expert has read every book that has ever been written on the workshop topic, and she is not shy about letting all of us know that she thinks she should be the Coach.
  • Miss Cali is a racially ambiguous woman from California, and I know where she’s from because she keeps telling us how things are done there, and how much more awesome it is. You know what I’m thinking…yeah, when is your flight? I am fascinated by the fact that I cannot figure out her ethnicity, because I consider myself to be pretty adept at this.
  • Red Sweatshirt is called this because I am blinded by her bright red sweatshirt (and I can’t stop staring at her tiny little head.) She got here about an hour late, and she won’t shut up. If I was late, I think I would sit quietly and listen for a while, but that’s me.
  • Let’s call me Quiet and Observant Woman. No, Completely Unfocused and Distracted Woman. Oh, I know…I’m SportsFanLunatic. (haha) I do have a pretty short attention span, so I’m texting my friends, updating my Facebook status and writing this … simultaneously. Hey, it’s what I do, so don’t judge me.

I realized that I really was involved in a competitive sport when the participants in the workshop began to get a little restless…almost as if they wanted to be more “involved” and spend less time using their listening skills. Things were going well at first, and the Coach was able to stick to the playbook, which is her PowerPoint slideshow. It soon became obvious that the participants, who are now competitors, were getting used to interacting with each other, and the competition officially began. Since we have such a great Coach, she noticed right away, and I’ll give her credit…she tried the not-so-obvious “throat clearing,” talking over them, and even the very obvious “Okay, everyone!” but it was too late…we’ve been on the same slide for about 10 minutes, and our Coach is not happy. Here’s what happened next:

Miss Expert was giving a lecture about how smart she is, and Crochet Lady interrupted her. I watched in shock as Miss Expert gave her the finger! Okay, no, not the finger, but she pointed her index finger at Crochet Lady in a way that spoke volumes, and never stopped talking. Old Guy got really bold and told Miss Expert that she cut him off before he could make his point. He scored major points for this because Miss Expert actually looked embarrassed, and after listening to her tell everyone that she had read (and remembered the ISBN number for) every book on the workshop topic, I didn’t think this woman could be shut down. In spite of how annoying she was, Miss Expert gained a few points for taking on Old Guy and Crochet Lady at the same time.

Red Sweatshirt is the clear loser in this group. She was late, and then proceeded to ask a question every five minutes. It wouldn’t have been so bad if her questions had even remotely been related to the workshop topic! If I could give her negative points to the power of infinity, I would. Miss Cali spent another fifteen minutes telling us about the sheer awesomeness of being in California. First of all, I used to live in San Diego, so I already know how awesome it is, and second, we DON’T CARE. I think that the only reason that we listened to her is because we’re all probably secretly trying to figure out her ethnicity. (Yes, I’m still fascinated by my inability to do this.)

Crochet Lady earned a bunch of points for putting down the needles. She’s sitting right across the table from me, and her crocheting was really making it difficult for me to concentrate on texting, Facebook and writing. I’m just sayin…

At this point, the Coach has completely lost control of the room. Miss Expert and Old Guy are about to come to blows because she is recommending books to help ease his negativity. Miss Cali got involved in their disagreement, and that’s not good because she talks with her hands. She is sitting to the right of me, and if she hits me, this whole competition will come to a screeching halt. Side note: Red Sweatshirt is sitting to my left with her mouth hanging open…literally. I’m distracted by wondering if her tiny little head has a tiny little brain in it.

How does it end? I have to warn you…it’s not what you think. The Coach realized that she needed a new strategy, so she used a tried and true method. It’s called, “Bathroom Break.” This is the end of the competition for me, because I waited until everyone left the room for the ten minute break, gathered my belongings, and LEFT. I have gained sweet freedom, and I have declared myself the winner of this competition because, most likely, I will never have to see any of these people again. And yes, I am aware that they might be thinking the same thing about me.

© 2011 SportsFanLunatic.com
By posting our content, you agree to credit this author and/ or provide a link to this website.

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11

Nov. ’10

Your Personal Trainer is Your Worst Enemy … NOT!

I wish I could blame my lack of discipline on my trainer, or on anyone else, for that matter. Fact is, I don’t want to NEED to work out.

I wish I could stay healthy and never set foot in a gym. I’d love to get up in the morning, look at myself in the mirror and think, “Wow! You look and feel awesome, and you haven’t worked out in YEARS!”  Then I wake up (and smell the coffee…haha) and put on my gear and go do my cardio.

What I really want is to live a good, long, quality – filled life. I don’t want to need five prescriptions for chronic illnesses that I could have avoided if I had treated my body right. So to keep all of this from happening to me, I got myself a trainer.

My trainer (let’s call him Coach) is a pretty nice guy, all things considered. That is, until we step into the gym. I can almost see the transformation from ”pretty nice guy” to “trainer from hell” happen as he crosses the threshold of the gym. He does not allow me to talk because he says I complain too much. He says I just want to be ”babied.” Who, me?
What is that about?

I remember once when I told him “I really want to do the squats, but my left knee is hurting.” (I was feeling pretty clever to have come up with this…) Guess what his response was … “Wow, do you think that’s because the muscles on your left side are weaker because you favor your right side when you walk? Maybe you should just do the squats and develop the left-sided muscles more so your leg won’t hurt!” So, I’m thinking…did he just call me Quasimodo the bell-ringer of Notre Dame? Wow.

Then there was a time when I lost count while I was doing sit-ups. When he asked me how many I had done, I hesitated…just for a second. Guess what Coach said. “ONE.” I was like, “excuse me?” and he said, “I told you to count. You didn’t. So, ONE.” Again I say, WOW.

While I’m going through all of this, something is happening. I’m getting in the best shape of my life. My left leg is much stronger, I can do three times the cardio I could when I began training, and I ended up doing twice as many situps as I would have on the day that I lost count and had to start over. I had no idea I could do so many situps, and it was at the end of my workout.

Bottom Line: My Coach seems like a real jerk sometimes, but what I’m getting out of the time he spends beating me up in the gym is making every aspect of my life better. For that reason, I have decided that he cannot be my worst enemy. Let’s give that title to  my “Lack of Discipline.”

I’m just sayin…

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06

Jul. ’10

Free Agency Question: Is LeBron a “Media Whore?”

First, I’d like to personally thank Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh and anyone else who had sense enough to sign their new contracts without extreme drama (LeBron’s off-season sport.)

Yes, it is “just my opinion,” but think about it…this guy is making his free agency a prime time special event! Am I the only person who is annoyed by this? If you know me, then you know that I am a fan of two things regarding the NBA: one, the game itself and the way it is played, and two, KOBE BRYANT. I thought I’d put that out there before I continue, because as you read this, you’re going to think I am a LeBron hater. Not true. I’m an NBA FAN.

As a true NBA FAN, I do not like seeing the league taken for this crazy ride that is all about “LeBron watching” and not about every other multitalented player who is a free agent right now. (Should I mention the fact that some of the free agents who are NOT scheduling prime time signing events actually have Championship Rings?) So, when one of my Facebook friends called him a “media whore” today, I found myself thinking about it more in depth, and getting really annoyed.

Here’s why: this type of media hype is fun sometimes, but it takes away from what is this is really about. Free agency affects so many people, not just the athletes. JOBS are on the line. Ticket sales are on the line. Advertising. Endorsements. I’m thinking that the only people who have benefitted from this drawn out “LeBron watching” are those who are in the media. They’ve been able to get much more air time, more conversations, and they love it. I won’t lie … I subscribe to various sports rumors forums and such, and I am a chronic checker of all things sports. So, what is my beef?

I just realized. I AM a LeBron hater. I’m just sayin…

www.sportsfanlunatic.com

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23

Nov. ’09

Professional Athletes are NOT Overpaid!

Sports icon for Portals

Image via Wikipedia

What value would you attach to talent? What price would you be willing to pay someone for their dedication? How about for their intensity and even plain old ability? Seriously … take a moment and think about this. If you had spent all or most of your childhood, adolescence and young adulthood training and preparing to do what you love to do (on a professional level) what things would you want someone to consider when they negotiate your salary? Think like a professional athlete for a moment. I think my perspective would have to be explained by showing you what these men and women hear on a pretty regular basis from:

Team Owners:

“Remember now, if you get hurt on the job, there is no workman’s compensation. You are expected to, within reason, get up, shake it off, and keep it moving. Maybe you didn’t sleep well the night before. Who cares? GO TO WORK! Even if a close family member or friend dies, if you are scheduled to work, you will go to work.”

It isn’t just your boss who expects this – he or she is mostly concerned about the thousands of screaming fans in attendance, and possibly millions more watching at home or from various sports bars and other venues. Your team’s owner knows who is going to watch you, critique your performance, take pictures of you at your very worst moment, and plaster these images all over the internet, television and newspapers. He also knows how this will affect the franchise…the brand. You are, after all, a PRODUCT.

Vendors:

“You see, we depend upon you. We are able to make OUR living because of what YOU do. Our clients turn to you for entertainment. We plan major events around what you are doing. We need to sell hot dogs and beer…you can’t let us down now! What will happen to us?”

Endorsers:

“Listen…I need to sell my (insert anything and everything you can possibly think of) and if I put your face on the (insert packaging description), I am sure that my profits will increase! Yes, I will give you a very small percentage of my earnings, but I will complain about it, because you are already making all that money for, I mean … that team is already paying you a hefty salary. I do not care how many expenses you have, I just want to get paid!”

Fans:

“GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME! I can’t believe you dropped that ball! We’re not going to make it to the playoffs this year because of YOU. No home field advantage? What the… What do you mean you have a torn rotator cuff? Suck it UP! All my life I dreamed of playing professional sports…now that I can live through you (since it didn’t work out for me) PLAY THE GAME THE WAY I WOULD HAVE PLAYED IT! What kind of role model ARE you? I want my kids to be able to look up to you! I can’t be a good example as a parent, so I’ve chosen YOU, sports figure, to put on a pedestal and if you do ANYTHING wrong, I will make sure you never play in this league again!”

Granted, if things are going very well for you and your sport, this makes everyone happy and your salary is justified. (Umm…how often does THAT happen?)

Still think professional athletes are overpaid? Tell me what you REALLY think. I’m just sayin…

© 2009 SportsFanLunatic.com
By posting our content, you agree to credit this author and/ or provide a link to this website.

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18

Nov. ’09

Kobe versus Jordan: NO COMPARISON!

 

I have often wondered why those of us who love sports are so intent on comparing some players’ athletic prowess with that of their predecessors … is it just so difficult for us to believe that more than one athlete has amazing talent and statistics?

I do not think anyone should EVER compare Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan. Why? It’s obvious.

Because there IS no comparison between the totally awesome Kobe Bryant (my fav) and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan (Kobe’s fav).

We all know that Michael Jordan has pure, raw talent. His motivation, as he told the world during his speech at the Hall of Fame Induction this year, was to be “the best” in order to spite all of the people that he believes tried to hold him back, or who failed to give him his “props.” In order to accomplish this, Jordan knew that he needed to win championships. For Jordan, it was just that simple. He is, after all, pretty easy to understand since he is so simple.

Kobe Bryant wants to be the best at the game of basketball because he loves and respects the game. Kobe knows the rules, inside and out, and his head is always in the game. He is an intelligent player who acts as the primary connection between head coach Phil Jackson and the rest of the players on his team. Yes, Kobe is motivated by winning championships. He desires, like many great men and women, to leave his mark on the game, but not because someone in his past said that he wasn’t good enough.

These two players did not enter the NBA under the same circumstances. Michael Jordan played college basketball for the great Dean Smith of the UNC Tar (gasp) Heels, and had three years of the best preparation available for his esteemed NBA career. Everyone knows how many NBA’ers sat under the tutelage of Coach Smith. On the other hand, Kobe Bryant was so totally awesome that he was drafted into the NBA at the tender age of 17, right out of high school. He has told reporters that he was not even old enough to legally sign his own NBA contract…because he was not yet 18. Wow, he must have impressed someone.

Jordan and Bryant’s mentors and/ or idols of the game are not the same. Jordan had a completely different set of players to look up to, and emulate. Kobe? Well, he emulated Jordan. Why, then, would anyone compare the two? And why would anyone decide that it is a negative thing that Kobe would want to be like someone who played the game of basketball the way Michael Jordan did? Hmmm … this just makes no sense.

Throughout time, people have sought to leave a legacy for those who would come behind them. Michael Jordan is not the deep-thinking type of person who says that he hopes to influence younger players, but most of the greats of the game say just that. They’ve paved the way for younger players to play smarter, negotiate better salaries and endorsement deals, and they have helped influence greater team diversity, etc. Kobe attempts to nurture the players on his team. Jordan was never accused of such a thing.

I admire both of these players, and I appreciate their personal and professional attributes. I am, however, Kobe’s biggest fan. That might be the number one, and final, reason why THERE IS NO COMPARISON between KOBE BRYANT and Michael Jordan. Period.

I’m just sayin…

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