Today marks the day when 300 or so football players from across the nation gather in little Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. The combine gives NFL organizations a chance to evaluate players at every angle. I participated in the combine coming out of college, and I have to say it is a very grueling process. However, is the combine as valid as people make it out to be ? I am 50-50 on the answer to that question considering the history given.
The combine has changed over the years in order to help teams evaluate players more efficiently. My experience of the combine was much shorter and much more intense. We only had a couple of days to fly in, workout, and meet with teams. I vividly remember being yanked on by doctors, taking EKG's, having blood drawn, and more. I even had to take a cardiac stress test ! During my examination the doctors said I had a small block in one of my ventricles. Let's just say they were way off on that one. The heart is a muscle, and all muscles, even the heart, grow to some extent. As in most athletes involved in endurance related sports, the ventricle walls can actually grow depending on how conditioned the athlete is. Mine is .005 centimeters thicker than normal. So Lance Armstrong is lucky not too many brothers like to ride bikes up and down hills across the world for fun. I might give him a run for his money.
There are pros to the combine. Since scouts usually go to the larger schools, it does give players like Cecil Shorts WR (Mount Union) and Julius Thomas TE (Portland State) an opportunity to be seen up close and personal. Teams can talk face to face, see body structure, and look at how they react to the environment of the NFL. A player can improve his draft status significantly with great workouts and numbers. Players can also show improvements of flaws listed by NFL teams, like weight, foot work, arm strength, and character. The are many opportunities in these few days to have coaches and GM's leave with a positive outlook on a player.
As good as that may sound, there are cons to the combine as well. In my opinion some organizations put too much stock in numbers. Because a guy runs a 4.2 40 yard dash, it doesn't make him a football player. If a player does 40 reps during the bench press test, it doesn't mean he's a football player. I place many great combine workouts under the Immaculate Mamula Theory. Mike Mamula's story is known, great workout, scored like 48-49 out of 50 on the wonderlic test, everything needed to be done to raise his stock, he did it. FAIL ! On the other hand, Zach Thomas, a friend and former teammate of mine is 5'10 at best, very good athlete, not physically put together like some may be, or as fast ,and had an average combine workout. Taken in the fifth round of the 1996 draft by the Miami Dolphins, fourteen years and eight pro bowls later, he is an example of how combine numbers don't matter. Let me explain the Immaculate Mamula Theory. We as humans are able to train our minds and bodies to adapt and improve in certain areas with practice and repetition over a period of time. If a person knows exactly what to train for, has a proper plan and practices it, then of course the results are going to be significant. Anyone can train for anything. Football is a game of speed, reaction, and improvisation, which is why some players do not produce on the field. Learning game plans, and schemes do play a significant part, however, adapting does as well. Many things happen during the course of a play, and although it may be drawn up a certain way on the board, the majority of the time is does not work out that way. Innovation with calculation is key in this case.
The combine has turned into a money grabbing, over hyped, meat market. Hall of Fame selector and editorial consultant for FOX NFL Sunday, John Czarnecki, says," there was a time when less than five reporters, not 750, showed up for the Combine, and security wasn’t really necessary." Those numbers show how much the NFL has hyped up this event for ratings, which essentially makes them more money. I have always been a firm believer that, a football player is a football player. Athleticism is needed, especially at the skilled positions, but an unusual amount is not required. I think more like 1560 The Game's talk show host John Harris, " why don't you go and put the film on bro! " I am more interested in how a player performs during the game, what adjustments are made, and how good is his technique. If I desire to see running and jumping, I'm sure there's a local high school track meet going on around here somewhere, and I at least get to spill cheese and jalapeno juice on my shirt from the nachos I devour.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Negotiations, Whatever
Over the last three to four years, I have become very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of different businesses and their structures. I am also aware of the political crap and lies that are incorporated into businesses as well. The Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations to me is a farce on both fronts. Yes, you heard me correctly. I said both sides. Watching the slander that has come from both the NFLPA and Owners publicly is an embarrassment to the NFL and the great men who helped build this game. Jim Thorpe, Bert Bell and Lombardi, are in heaven and not very happy right now. The game has turned into a game of greed and without correction, as in all businesses it will fall because of it.
First things first, hearing people say they are tired of billionaires and millionaires fighting over money needs to stop. No one is griping about the battles Gates, Buffet, or some of the other billionaires and millionaires in the world when they are disagreeing over issues with people. As with everyone that works or is skilled in a profession, that person wants to be paid their worth or somewhere close to it. Unions of different industries have labor disagreements every year. Hard working Americans all over fight for their health care, benefits, and retirement, which are the same issues happening now with the NFL and NFLPA. The owners of these companies of course try to make as much money possible with as little pay out as possible. Understandable, yet they need not forget that the employees are the commodity or move the commodities of their respective businesses. Which is the reason why ruckus always starts anyway.
I've always said when listening to things involving the NFL, I listen to about two or three individuals, mainly Kraft, and Rooney. If you go back and look at the interviews and conversations these men have had up to now, they are frustrated with the process, frustrated with the individuals, and believe a deal can be done soon and should have been done without all the extra curricular activities. It's amusing to me that not all the owners are not on the same page as these two which is part of the problem to begin with. The owners feel they got a raw deal in 2006, if that's the case they shouldn't have signed off on it to begin with. In my opinion, the owners underestimated the potential increase in future revenue, and since the players are receiving a substantial amount of it, now they want it back. Ridiculous. Another ridiculous issue is Goodell wanting the percentage of revenue to decrease from 60% to 41%. So you want to add 2 reg season games and ask the players to take a 19% decrease ? Now, I'm no Georg Simon Ohm , but clearly that doesn't add up. By the way, Commissioner Goodell, don't try to play us like Donkey Kong saying you will reduce your salary to $1 if there is a lock out. In some capacity unknown to us, you'll get that 9 million in a bonus structure we don't understand. Spare us. DeMaurice Smith, you claim you won't go lower than 60% percent of all revenues. As a former player, I realize we are the commodity, fans come to see players play. Fans also come to experience tailgating, see the stadium, its history, and the overall football environment. Unfortunately, without all of the creative ideas owners have to create this environment, it's just a bunch of grown men playing sandlot at George Bush Park. To some degree, I am in favor of the owners getting a bit more, simply because they create these avenues and the players are provided with many opportunities on and off the field. The percent of the pie needs to be a fair number for both.
This public outbreak of walking out, "this is war", please, and Carolina owner Richardson, with his cheap self, being critical does nothing for negotiations. Call Dan Rooney, get Kraft, everyone else go and play on your yachts, and let these men handle the negotiations without adding your two cents. They will keep you informed. D. Smith, talk with individuals who worked with the late Gene Upshaw , take them in the room with you and get this deal done. As of now the Commissioner, Owners, and NFLPA are doing nothing more but confusing everyone, including themselves. This is a true example of , "too many chiefs not enough Indians." And, the more I read about it the more I think "talking loud saying nothing."
First things first, hearing people say they are tired of billionaires and millionaires fighting over money needs to stop. No one is griping about the battles Gates, Buffet, or some of the other billionaires and millionaires in the world when they are disagreeing over issues with people. As with everyone that works or is skilled in a profession, that person wants to be paid their worth or somewhere close to it. Unions of different industries have labor disagreements every year. Hard working Americans all over fight for their health care, benefits, and retirement, which are the same issues happening now with the NFL and NFLPA. The owners of these companies of course try to make as much money possible with as little pay out as possible. Understandable, yet they need not forget that the employees are the commodity or move the commodities of their respective businesses. Which is the reason why ruckus always starts anyway.
I've always said when listening to things involving the NFL, I listen to about two or three individuals, mainly Kraft, and Rooney. If you go back and look at the interviews and conversations these men have had up to now, they are frustrated with the process, frustrated with the individuals, and believe a deal can be done soon and should have been done without all the extra curricular activities. It's amusing to me that not all the owners are not on the same page as these two which is part of the problem to begin with. The owners feel they got a raw deal in 2006, if that's the case they shouldn't have signed off on it to begin with. In my opinion, the owners underestimated the potential increase in future revenue, and since the players are receiving a substantial amount of it, now they want it back. Ridiculous. Another ridiculous issue is Goodell wanting the percentage of revenue to decrease from 60% to 41%. So you want to add 2 reg season games and ask the players to take a 19% decrease ? Now, I'm no Georg Simon Ohm , but clearly that doesn't add up. By the way, Commissioner Goodell, don't try to play us like Donkey Kong saying you will reduce your salary to $1 if there is a lock out. In some capacity unknown to us, you'll get that 9 million in a bonus structure we don't understand. Spare us. DeMaurice Smith, you claim you won't go lower than 60% percent of all revenues. As a former player, I realize we are the commodity, fans come to see players play. Fans also come to experience tailgating, see the stadium, its history, and the overall football environment. Unfortunately, without all of the creative ideas owners have to create this environment, it's just a bunch of grown men playing sandlot at George Bush Park. To some degree, I am in favor of the owners getting a bit more, simply because they create these avenues and the players are provided with many opportunities on and off the field. The percent of the pie needs to be a fair number for both.
This public outbreak of walking out, "this is war", please, and Carolina owner Richardson, with his cheap self, being critical does nothing for negotiations. Call Dan Rooney, get Kraft, everyone else go and play on your yachts, and let these men handle the negotiations without adding your two cents. They will keep you informed. D. Smith, talk with individuals who worked with the late Gene Upshaw , take them in the room with you and get this deal done. As of now the Commissioner, Owners, and NFLPA are doing nothing more but confusing everyone, including themselves. This is a true example of , "too many chiefs not enough Indians." And, the more I read about it the more I think "talking loud saying nothing."
Friday, February 11, 2011
No Point, No Purpose
When"The List" came out, I was told by someone involved in the baseball investigation of steroids and performance enhancing drugs, the intent was to make Barry Bonds the face and most highly scrutinized player of the MLB steroid era. Seemingly enough, with the help of the BALCO raid, the evidence against Bonds was mounting a pile of crap higher than the words that came from Mel Gibson's mouth. The federal prosecutors had the upper hand. What they did not count on was that Greg Anderson, Bond's personal trainer would be so tight-lipped throughout the entire investigation. It is apparent he will never testify and thus far has proved it by serving more than a year in jail. Recently, all six of the charges that involved Anderson were thrown out. Of course the federal prosecutors will attempt to bring Anderson back for his testimony, clearly a pointless effort on their part.
At this point the prosecutors are scrambling and hoping a positive drug test from 2003, testimony from a former girlfriend and personal manager, will be enough to prove Bonds lied when he was in front of a grand-jury in 2003. In my opinion, without the testimony of Anderson and already numerous unfavorable rulings by the judge, the case seems weak and the citizens tax dollars are once again wasted on a wild goose chase. Another case where resources are being wasted is the case against Roger Clemens. Clemens is being indicted on charges of perjury, making false statements, and obstruction of Congress. Clemens former trainer Brian McNamee testified he injected Clemens with steroids and growth hormones. McNamee also stated he stored syringes used to inject Clemens. My question is, why has so much effort been put into the Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens case ? So what if they lied ! Players, fans, and media have already resigned themselves to the fact the steroid era existed in Major League Baseball. Just about half or more than half of baseball players at that time used some form of performance enhancing drug. Commissioner Bud Selig has all but washed his hands of the entire steroid era and has moved forward.
In this country we have murders, Ponzi scheme professionals, and crooked corporations that should be at the forefront of investigations by federal prosecutors, yet they are adamant about proving Bonds and Clemens's guilt. CEO's lie in front of congress everyday, even congress-persons lie in front of congress daily. It can't be that Bonds and Clemens arrogance, brash, and strong personalities are the reason for this witch hunt. My conclusion is this.. From what I understand from friends and associates who are attorneys, the only way you move up is by number of cases and how high the profile of the case is. What better way to notch a mark on the headboard than convicting Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens. I have researched many articles and stories involving these two cases, and the only legitimate reason stated, besides "lying under oath" were the prosecutors in the Bonds case have "a righteous feeling that their charges are valid." The definition of righteous "is acting in accord with divine or moral law." It also means "free from guilt or sin." Personally, I find it hard to believe these cases are only being tried from a morally lawful position. Is lying under oath morally wrong ? Yes. Is stealing money from hard-working Americans , watching dollar bills float through the sky in the form of fumes from the private jets flown by CEO's and executives like GM and Madoff morally wrong ? Yes. Watching companies like Citigroup give its executives pay raises totaling millions in cash and stock during a huge recession ? Yes. Meanwhile ,Congress is worried about two professional baseball players accused of "lying" about supplements.
Congress should not be involved in professional sports, period. There is no reason why congress should be called to regulate a steroid scandal, collective bargaining agreement, salaries, or anything sports related. Try getting back the 50 billion dollars Madoff stole from citizens of this country both old and young. I love this country, however at times I am embarrassed by the backwards thinking our so-called "higher up" or "intellects" use. At the conclusion of these trials whether found guilty or not guilty, Major League Baseball will continue to move forward. Nothing about the game will change, neither past or present.
At this point the prosecutors are scrambling and hoping a positive drug test from 2003, testimony from a former girlfriend and personal manager, will be enough to prove Bonds lied when he was in front of a grand-jury in 2003. In my opinion, without the testimony of Anderson and already numerous unfavorable rulings by the judge, the case seems weak and the citizens tax dollars are once again wasted on a wild goose chase. Another case where resources are being wasted is the case against Roger Clemens. Clemens is being indicted on charges of perjury, making false statements, and obstruction of Congress. Clemens former trainer Brian McNamee testified he injected Clemens with steroids and growth hormones. McNamee also stated he stored syringes used to inject Clemens. My question is, why has so much effort been put into the Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens case ? So what if they lied ! Players, fans, and media have already resigned themselves to the fact the steroid era existed in Major League Baseball. Just about half or more than half of baseball players at that time used some form of performance enhancing drug. Commissioner Bud Selig has all but washed his hands of the entire steroid era and has moved forward.
In this country we have murders, Ponzi scheme professionals, and crooked corporations that should be at the forefront of investigations by federal prosecutors, yet they are adamant about proving Bonds and Clemens's guilt. CEO's lie in front of congress everyday, even congress-persons lie in front of congress daily. It can't be that Bonds and Clemens arrogance, brash, and strong personalities are the reason for this witch hunt. My conclusion is this.. From what I understand from friends and associates who are attorneys, the only way you move up is by number of cases and how high the profile of the case is. What better way to notch a mark on the headboard than convicting Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens. I have researched many articles and stories involving these two cases, and the only legitimate reason stated, besides "lying under oath" were the prosecutors in the Bonds case have "a righteous feeling that their charges are valid." The definition of righteous "is acting in accord with divine or moral law." It also means "free from guilt or sin." Personally, I find it hard to believe these cases are only being tried from a morally lawful position. Is lying under oath morally wrong ? Yes. Is stealing money from hard-working Americans , watching dollar bills float through the sky in the form of fumes from the private jets flown by CEO's and executives like GM and Madoff morally wrong ? Yes. Watching companies like Citigroup give its executives pay raises totaling millions in cash and stock during a huge recession ? Yes. Meanwhile ,Congress is worried about two professional baseball players accused of "lying" about supplements.
Congress should not be involved in professional sports, period. There is no reason why congress should be called to regulate a steroid scandal, collective bargaining agreement, salaries, or anything sports related. Try getting back the 50 billion dollars Madoff stole from citizens of this country both old and young. I love this country, however at times I am embarrassed by the backwards thinking our so-called "higher up" or "intellects" use. At the conclusion of these trials whether found guilty or not guilty, Major League Baseball will continue to move forward. Nothing about the game will change, neither past or present.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Why Not ?
I'm sure many of you that listen to 1560 the game in Houston, heard my rant of how insulting and fabricated the Rooney Rule is. Although considered an honor, if I were Mr. Rooney I would think about having my name removed simply because the rule is used as more of a loop-hole than its actual meaning. With that being said, I'd like to congratulate Alonzo HighSmith on being named NFL Scout of The Year. Alonzo has an ample amount of experience, being that he's scouted for the Green Bay Packers a number of years and also had a 6 year NFL career as well. So why aren't there more AfricanAmerican GM's in the NFL ? Obviously we are very capable to handle not only the business side, of the game, but the talent evaluation as well, See Ozzie Newsome, Jerry Reese, and Mickey Loomis, Rick Smith doesn't count, yet. Even though that shows improvement, I am still confused at why more African- American players are not considered for higher positions.
I'm somewhat of a conspiracy theorist, so my opinion may not be in line with others. However, there is always an element of truth to conspiracies. Is it possible that an element of, not racism, but prejudice to former African-American players exists when the General Manager position is concerned. There are many assistant coaches, a small number of head coaches, and plenty of scouts that are black. Based on the accomplishments of these men, it's not too far-fetched to say that if put in the GM position or a higher position of authority, they would not flourish. I am starting to think the gentlemen in upper management, are in some aspect defiant of the possible success that could occur. I was told this by a scout who is black, "it will be a long time before we see more black GM's or black VP's, etc because we played the game, know the game, know what it takes win, judge players by their play and not merely numbers, so our credibility is much higher than others. These people keep African-Americans in certain positions and will not allow us to move up because they know the owners and others will listen and their jobs are threatened." This is coming from someone on the inside ! So it's very believable and somewhat validated by how long the process has taken.
In my opinion, this area needs to be addressed along with the head coaching issue. I am not saying give the positions away, however make the opportunities more available. The NFL is a business, and in business companies want the best, most experienced employees in positions so the company will flourish. Why should the NFL treat it any different ? This again speaks volumes of the hypocrisy of the NFL and it's owners. If the owners, as they claim, want to win and build successful organizations, then every avenue needs to be explored and not over looked to find the right person for the job. Regardless of color or background, every person needs to be considered especially if experienced in that particular area.
I'm somewhat of a conspiracy theorist, so my opinion may not be in line with others. However, there is always an element of truth to conspiracies. Is it possible that an element of, not racism, but prejudice to former African-American players exists when the General Manager position is concerned. There are many assistant coaches, a small number of head coaches, and plenty of scouts that are black. Based on the accomplishments of these men, it's not too far-fetched to say that if put in the GM position or a higher position of authority, they would not flourish. I am starting to think the gentlemen in upper management, are in some aspect defiant of the possible success that could occur. I was told this by a scout who is black, "it will be a long time before we see more black GM's or black VP's, etc because we played the game, know the game, know what it takes win, judge players by their play and not merely numbers, so our credibility is much higher than others. These people keep African-Americans in certain positions and will not allow us to move up because they know the owners and others will listen and their jobs are threatened." This is coming from someone on the inside ! So it's very believable and somewhat validated by how long the process has taken.
In my opinion, this area needs to be addressed along with the head coaching issue. I am not saying give the positions away, however make the opportunities more available. The NFL is a business, and in business companies want the best, most experienced employees in positions so the company will flourish. Why should the NFL treat it any different ? This again speaks volumes of the hypocrisy of the NFL and it's owners. If the owners, as they claim, want to win and build successful organizations, then every avenue needs to be explored and not over looked to find the right person for the job. Regardless of color or background, every person needs to be considered especially if experienced in that particular area.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)