Tuesday, July 26, 2011
NFL heads back to London
The AP is reporting that for the fifth straight year, the NFL will host a game at Wembley Stadium in London, England, when the Chicago Bears take on the Tampa Bay Bucs.
I’ll admit, it was cool the first time I saw it. And I know there is some history to the NFL bringing games overseas to the UK. But really, what do the British NFL fans– maybe spectators is a better word– get out of watching a sport they don’t know the rules to or understand? In past years, the only time the crowd showed any sort of interest was when the kickers and punters took the field. Cheerio, chaps.
Are there some genuine NFL fans in the UK? Of course. Do they make up a large percentage of the “fans” that will fill up Wembley? Of course not.
The goal, I guess, is to one day build towards having a European league that’s on par with the American league, and then having the winners of each league faceoff in a true international bowl.
Sounds great, but I don’t see it working. Here’s why: Europeans love their footy clubs because they grew up with them. Association football is often deeply intertwined with class and religious divides, and physical borders and boundaries (See: the Old Firm). Some of these teams’ subcultures and rivalries have boiled and simmered for over a century. Introduce a new sport without those deep-rooted rivalries, and well, just take a look at the empty seats during a MLS game and you’ll get the idea.
And we don’t necessarily want those same rivalries around our sport. A lot of European football hooliganism/firms/casuals/ultras/hardcores/whatever are tied to racism and fascism. The last thing we need is that spill over into American football.
I’ve been to the UK, and traveled Europe extensively. Despite what the NFL wants us to believe, Europeans do not give a damn about American football. Europeans care about our football less than we care about their football (though we’ve had some pretty good soccer teams in recent years that are worth caring about.)
I don’t have any actual numbers, but isn’t it expensive to fly an entire team, coaches, personnel and staff, over to London for a week? Is it really worth it? Will it be worth it when the novelty wears off, and attendance at Wembley begins to taper off? It’s one less game the diehard fans get to attend. You know, the fans that don’t go wild when a kicker boots the ball through the back of the end zone for a touchback.
(By the way, if you go to the nfllondon.net the lede story reads, “The 2011 NFL International Series game will see the Tampa Bay Buccaneets take on the Chicago Bears at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 23rd October 2011.”)
Monday, July 25, 2011
It's over...
Barring any major setbacks (or an opt-out in 2013) we will have a NFL season through 2021. Was there really any doubt? With mainstream sports media tracking every move, the NFL lockout has been covered tirelessly. We won't bore you with all the specifics, but here a few of the major points that were touched on in the agreement in layman's terms:
- Players are eligible to stay in the NFL medical plan for life. Previously, the medical benefits only covered a player for his first five post-retirement years.
- Injury guarantee. This one is a little more complicated, but it essentially says that if a player has a career ending injury (or an injury that sidelines him for multiple seasons), a larger portion of his salary and bonuses will still be honored then was previously the case.
- Percentage of yearly revenue. Players will get 47 percent of the roughly 9-billion dollars, owners will see 53 percent. Players will see 55 percent of TV revenue.
- 16 game season. For now at least. There is a possibility that, if at some point in the future, the NFL cuts the pre-season game schedule to two games players will choose an 18-game regular season schedule. Full-contact practices have been cut back.
How does all of this impact the average fan? It doesn't. Aside from bogging down your morning SportsCenter-watching routine for the past four months. But to the regular NFL fan there's nothing to worry about. There will be football, there will be NFL style football. Some have argued that cutting back on the number of full-contact practices (and at some point possibly cutting back on the number of pre-season games) will lead to sloppy tackling and a more wide-open style of play, similar to NCAA football.
That seems like a stretch. This year might be tricky, with so many weeks of the offseason wasted with the lockout. But will the fans even notice? Are we really expecting Pop Warner-esque play from the most skilled and knowledgeable players and coaches in the world? Don't think so.
And with all that said, LET THE FREE AGENCY FRENZY BEGIN!
Check back frequently as we follow the terms of the agreement throughout the day.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Boxing- Olympic Trials Set to Start
Why is this relevant to the Capital Region? Albany's Amir Imam, of Albany City Boxing will be competing.
Fighters generally qualify for the Trials by winning one of the following tournaments: The National PAL, National Golden Gloves, USA Boxing National Championships, or the Armed Forces Championships.
Imam didn't win any of these. Despite coming close in the 2010 National PAL championship, he came up just short, taking home the silver. Instead, he had to compete at the Last Chance Qualifier Tournament early this month --literally the last chance for boxers to advance to the trials-- where he won all six bouts over the course of six days.
Imam will be competing at 152 pounds in the welterweight division. Capital Region Sports wishes our local fighter the best of luck.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
So long, Doc
Mike "Doc" Emrick has been with the Devils organization for 21 years. Most notably, he called the games during the Devils late-1990s/early-2000s run that included winning three Stanley Cup championships in nine years. Many of the notable players that were on those championship teams came up through the Devils' farm system in Albany, with the then Albany River Rats.
Here's what Doc had to say to fans about his departure: http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569804
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival at The Joe
The Tri-City Valley Cats and Brown's Brewing Company will be teaming up to host the second annual Capital Region Craft Brewers Festival at Joe Bruno Stadium on Saturday, July 23. The event runs from 2:30 to 6:30 pm.
According to The Valley Cats' website:
Attending this year along with Brown's will be: Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Blue Point Brewing, Brewery Ommegang, Brooklyn Brewery, C.H. Evans Albany Pump Station, Cape Ann Brewing, Chatham Brewing, Cooper's Cave, Cottrell Brewing Company, Crossroads, Ithaca Beer Company, Keegan Ales, La Brasserie Unibroue, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, Madison Brewery, Long Trail Brewing Co., Olde Saratoga Brewing Company, Otter Creek, Roc Brewing, Saranac, Smuttynose, Switchback, Wandering Star, and Wolaver's Organic Ales. Several additional breweries are expected to join prior to the July 23rd event.
More information can be found at the Valley Cats' website: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110713&content_id=21774646&vkey=news_t577&fext=.jsp&sid=t577
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Rumble in the Catskills
Also worth noting-- the baddest man to ever come out of the South Bronx (that's bad), three-time world champion, Iran "The Blade" Barkley was in attendence. For those of you who don't know, Barkley holds two wins over Thomas Hearns, and has fought the likes of James Toney, Nigel Benn, Michael Nunn, and Roberto Duran.
You can read more about "Rumble in the Catskills" here: http://blog.timesunion.com/boxing/world-class-promotions-rumble-in-the-catskills-iii-last-saturdays-great-show/8607/
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
"Fire-Fly" Tay Fisher Returns to Albany
Rossiter, Siena Get Win on Senior Night
Because Canicius was able to knock off Loyola yesterday afternoon, Siena was locked into the 7 seed for the upcoming MAAC Tournament, to be held in Bridgeport, CT. Siena will take on the 10 seed in Manhattan College on Friday night at 9:30pm. The game will be broadcast in the Albany Recovery Sports Grill (62 New Scotland Ave.) for any fans who are not traveling to the game. Saturday, Sunday and Monday games will be televised.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Anthony should make his Knicks debut on Wednesday night in front of a sold out, electric Madison Square Garden. Oh, and did I mention that I have tickets to next Wednesday's game against Chris Paul and the Hornets? Tickets I paid $85 each for a month ago are now going for $300+. I will forgo selling my seats, however, and take in a great Knicks game! Welcome aboard Carmelo!
For more on this blockbuster deal, visit ESPN.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
Siena Handles Maine in ESPN Bracketbuster
Saturday was not only a great day for Siena but for the rest of the MAAC, as MAAC schools finished 9-1 in their Bracketbuster match-ups. Siena will look to take down MAAC juggernaut Fairfield on Friday night and then will close out the season at home in Sunday night against Marist. They need both games to get back to .500 in the MAAC are are looking to lock up the 6 seed going into the Tournament to avoid a first round game.
Update On the Melo Situation
Nuggets will get: Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, Corey Brewer, Knicks 2014 first-round pick.
Timberwolves will get: Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry
Knicks will get: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Renaldo Balkman
Stoudemire and Anthony at the All-Star Game Sunday Night in Los Angeles, CA |
Projected starting 5 for NYK: PG- Billups, SG- Fields, SF - Anthony, PF- Stoudemire, C- Turiaf
This will also leave the Knicks in good shape to bring in one of the following 3 major free agents in 2012: Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard.
For more on this story, visit NY Magazine.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Former Syracuse Star, 'Melo, Closing In On Northeast Return
Here are the details of the tentative deal:
Nets get: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Sheldon Williams, Melvin Ely, and Renaldo Balkman from the Nuggets.
Nuggets get: Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh, and FOUR First Round Draft Picks from the Nets.
This would truly be a BLOCKBUSTER!
For more on this story, check out FoxSports.com
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Siena Falls Again, Losing Streak at Four
After the game, Coach Mitch seemed very disappointed in the way the game ended but did point out that all but 6 games this season have been decided by 10 points or less. Siena has the talent to be in each game but needs to develop some confidence down the stretch. Confidence will begin to bloom as soon as Siena is able to close out a few games in a row without relinquishing a lead! Coach Mitch believes there is still time to right the ship before the MAAC Tournament. Siena's remaining regular season games include Maine at home, Fairfield on the road and concludes with Marist at home.
From left, Siena's Rakeem Brookins is defended by Saint Peter's Ryan Bacon as he goes up for a layup during a basketball game at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union) Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/Siena-can-t-find-its-offense-1017396.php#ixzz1EFaR9ZWx |
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Ambrose, UAlbany Power Past Stony Brook
Ambrose, who scored 14 of his 22 points in the second half, finished seven of 12 from the field and was the team's only double digit scorer. It is clear that Ambrose brings the offensive explosion Albany had been hoping for when he arrived in the Capital Region a few years ago. With some help from his supporting cast, don't be surprised if Albany is able to make a little run come America East Tournament time!
UAlbany's Tim Ambrose, left, drives to the basket while Stony Brook's Bryan Dougher defends during the second half of UAlbany's 58-43 victory over Stony Brook on Monday night at SEFCU Arena in Albany. ( Philip Kamrass/Times Union ) Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Ambrose-leads-way-for-Danes-1013688.php#ixzz1E47qzbgX |
Monday, February 14, 2011
RPI Drops Both This Weekend
RPI fans (dressed in all white for the "white out") cheer for the equalizing goal in the 2nd period |
Friday, February 11, 2011
Can the Big East Get 11 Teams into the Tournament?
Here is the breakdown (bubble teams in italics):
Big East (11): Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Connecticut, Georgetown, Villanova, Syracuse, Louisville, West Virginia, Marquette, Cincinnati, St. John's
Big 12 (6): Texas, Kansas, Texas A&M, Missouri, Kansas St., Baylor
SEC (6): Kentucky, Florida, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia
Big 10 (5): Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota
ACC (5): Duke, North Carolina, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Boston College
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Syracuse/Georgetown Preview
Georgetown's leading scorer, Austin Freeman, currently ranks 3rd in PPG in the Big East |
Kris Joseph's electrifying play has sparked Syracuse as of late |
Friday, February 4, 2011
Mike Faragon Improves to 14-0
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Union and RPI Sweep #1 Ranked Yale
RPI and Union combined to sweep Brown this weekend as well, with RPI winning 3-0 on Friday and Union winning 4-2 on Saturday. What an extraordinary weekend for local college hockey! Union is now just one point behind Yale in the ECAC standings and RPI sits just four points back. This should make for an exciting finish to the ECAC schedule and a fun ECAC tournament in March! Unfortunately, Capital Region hockey fans will need to make the drive down to Atlantic City, NJ this year if they would like to support the local schools during the ECAC tournament.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Josh Rabbani slides the puck past Yale goaltender Ryan Rondeau during the second period of Saturday’s ECAC game at Houston Field House. (Jeff Couch/The Record) |
Union's Adam Presizniuk, left, and Matt Hatch, right, celebrate a second-period goal against Yale during their hockey game. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/Union-cools-off-No-1-Yale-984537.php#ixzz1CokOhXCi |
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Some photos from the game...
NY Giants team photo |
Schenectady HS team photo |
Stephen Baker interview with YNN before the game |
Ceremonial Tip with Mayor Brian Stratton |
Color Guard for the National Anthem |
Nice shot of the action! |
Derek "The Wizz" Murphy shows off his ball handling skills! |
Former Notre Dame football star Derek Brown signs for a fan |
Recovery Sports Grill's very own SID (me) taking a jumper |
Byron Hunt goes up strong |
Byron makes a move... |
Eddie Clark gives some last minute coaching during a time out |
Lee Rouson with the jumper! |
Derek Brown up for the JAM |
Great Game Fellas! |
Monday, January 31, 2011
NY Giants Players In Town for Fundraiser
For some video from the game, check out the story posted on the YNN website
Pictures from the game are coming soon...
Friday, January 28, 2011
Rowdy Returns to the Ice Tonight!
Rowdy at a River Rats game last season |
RPI (15-6-3), who is currently ranked 10th in the Nation, will skate against Brown University tonight at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the RPI box office.
The ValleyCats will have their NY Penn League Championship Trophy on display all night! Have a great weekend!
Here is some video from the game!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
"Jimmer": One Name Says It All
Jimmer Fredette got knocked down against San Diego State Wednesday night en route to knocking down 43 points. (Associated Press) |
With BYU trailing by one at the break, the Cougars went on a 16-8 run with just over 4 minutes remaining in the game to take a 62-50 lead, which Jimmer sealed by hitting 7 of 7 free throws down the stretch. Jimmer finished 14-23 from the field and 10-11 from the line.
Expect big things out of Jimmer for the remainder of the season and hopefully a prosperous March! If he continues playing the way he has to start the season, look for Jimmer to become a lottery pick in this year's NBA Draft!
For more about Jimmer's big night, see Mark McGuire's blog in the Times Union or the AP story in the NY Times.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
UMass Men's Basketball Team Makes Unexpected Stop In Albany
According to Andy Katz with ESPN.com:
"I was sitting in the first row seat and I smelled something strange," said UMass coach Derek Kellogg by phone from Albany's airport. "The pilot came on about 10 minutes into the flight and said they were having problems and we had to make an emergency landing in Albany and that there was smoke in the cockpit. There was a strange odor. I tried to make sure the guys were calm and the crew did a good job of keeping everyone calm." Kellogg said the descent was normal, but there was definitely concern from the people on the plane. He said there was nervousness, but "Thank God, we landed safely." "When we landed and saw 10-15 fire trucks your first thought is that this was much more serious than you thought," Kellogg said.
BWW in Clifton Park Under Water
Siena Drops Another MAAC Game: To Rider This Time
”The frustration I have is, I feel bad for Ryan Rossiter,” Buonaguro concluded. “That’s who I feel bad for. The way he plays for 39 minutes, he deserves better and that’s what I’m most upset about. Not the loss, the frustration for Ryan Rossiter, who’s a great player. Not a good player. A great player.”