Being Tito Isn't Bad

Sidekicks

Sidekicks are a part of most team. Looking through history of pop culture, you find capable sidekicks. Gladys Knight and the Pips, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Batman and Robin being the most famous. Sports has had its fair share of duos as well. Kareem and Magic, Larry, McHale and the Chief, Jordan and Pippen to name a few. Sometimes its difficult for some guys to accept their sidekick role. That's where we are with Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat. Beasley took exception from Charles Barkley saying that Dwyane Wade is playing with a bunch of Tito Jackson's. To me, I find it funny but "B-Easy" took it as an insult. Michael's problem is he has gone from being the lead to a backup role and he doesn't know how to handle it.

Know Your Role

Beasley has had a rocky start to his career. He has battled some drug related issues as well as bouts with depression. Beasley came in to the league picked after Derrick Rose, but he is not having nearly the same impact as Rose is having with the Bulls. Michael just doesn't know how to play basketball and not be the first option. Wade creates for himself and his teammates and Beasley just isn't fitting in. To be called Tito, isn't an insult because at least Tito played the right notes for the Jackson Five. If Beasley played up to his potential, people would not be making comments about poorly Beasley is playing.

Beasley is used to being the man. He went to Kansas State and resurrected a dormant college basketball program. He was a candidate for national player of the year. Sports Illustrated had him on the cover. The world was his oyster and Beasley could do no wrong. Michael has been given constant praise throughout his basketball career and has never had to work hard. Now he is faced with adversity for the first time in his career and Michael doesn't know how to handle it. Its the classic story of young ball players when they come into to the league with so much hype. A lot of these kids don't see the time and preparation that professionals put into their basketball. You have to not only prepare daily but its a must that you improve your game. The off season is not a time to chill, its time to take your game to another level. Michael Beasley is getting starters minutes and is not contributing a lot. What he needs to find a niche until the rest of his game catches up to him. He could be the energy guy or rebounding specialist, something that will bring something extra to the team. A spark that compliments Wade not adds more pressure.

Mike Beasley needs to grow up and find his place within the Heat or he will get dealt to another team. What Michael has to realize is that Tito kept the band together. You don't have to be the star Beasley to be a leader.

Don't Like The Winter Olympics But Love The Hockey

Did You Just Say Hockey!!?

Not a real fan of the Winter Olympics. Skiing, skating and bobsledding just don't do it for me. However, what I love about the Winter Olympics is the hockey tournament. International hockey is way more exciting than the NHL. The NHL has become a niche sport in the U.S. No major television network contract and there are too many teams and that is diluting the talent. But this is more about why I love watching International hockey and if the NHL was smart they would steal some of the International rules which would make the game more exciting and get Americans more interested.

Widen The Rink

The standard NHL rink is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide, International rink is 210 feet long and 98 feet wide. By widen the rink, fans can see the true skills of hockey players. That is what makes Olympic hockey so much fun to watch. Besides the country versus country match-up, you totally get to see the puck handling skills and the speed of these great athletes. The game is fast paced and moving which keeps fans engaged. I feel like its watching a faster version of football but on ice.

Eliminate The Blue Lines

Most people don't get the offsides rule in the NHL. Its when a player crosses the blue line before the puck gets there. In International hockey, the blue lines are gone, and thus players are free to get a jump. That jump creates more scoring opportunities and therefore more goals. You get a lot more two on ones and three on ones. It creates a more wide open game and more of a buzz in the rink. Americans love scoring and that subtle change would get more people interested in the game.

I started watching Olympic hockey when they changed the rules to let NHL players compete in the games. You have these Dream Teams on ice, the best in the world at their positions. Its better and more competitive in some sorts than when the NBA players play basketball in the Summer Olympics. With the Winter games being played in Vancouver, the Canadian team is favored and rightfully so it is their sport. The U.S. should medal but if the beat the Canadians it will be because their team is younger, one of the youngest in the tournament. The tournament has already been exciting and kept fans on the edge of their seats. Now if the NHL can figure it out maybe they can get back into the upper echelon of sports.

Super Saints But Not The Best

That was a very boring Super Bowl. Never thought I would see the day that the New Orleans Saints would be Super Bowl Champs. Congrats to them and the city of New Orleans for their first championship. But here are my thoughts about the game:

Not My Pick For MVP

Super Bowl MVP's for the most part go to the quarterbacks. Brees stat line was 32-39 and two touchdowns. He tied Brady for the most completions in Super Bowl history. My choice for MVP would not be Brees or his receivers or even Tracy Porter, whose case is stronger because he had one of the game changing plays. For my money, Sean Payton was the MVP. That onside kick call not only set the tone for their second half but propelled them to the win. That called showed his team that they were playing to win and not to lose. Which is conversely what you saw from the Colts sideline. Payton pushed the tempo and inspired his team to play above their abilities. We have all seen coaches in the past hamstring their teams with conservative calls. Payton didn't second guess himself, he knew he had that one shot and if it worked he was a genius and if he failed then at least he tried. That is what makes Payton my MVP. His willingness to adjust to the moment and play to win.

Not All Peyton's Fault


As much as Peyton Manning will get the blame, looking at the game Payton wasn't sharp but he was sharp enough for the Colts to win. Besides, the onside kick, the real game changing moment happened before half. Pierre Garcon dropped a third down catch and had some room to run. If he makes that catch, the Colts at the least get a field goal or most likely a touchdown. That drop was huge because the Colts punted when the had the Saints defense reeling.


Reggie Wayne was more hurt than he let on. On the interception, he didn't run his route as crisp and that is why Porter was able to pick it off. Granted Peyton's throw wasn't as sharp but Wayne normally helps his quarterback out better than that. Also on the fourth and goal pass to Wayne he didn't finish his route again. He actually started walking through as if he wasn't getting the ball. Wayne is not one to make excuses but he did not look like himself. That is another reason why Peyton can't get all the blame.


Brees Is A Guy You Can Root For

Drew Brees is a guy you can definitely get behind. He's just six foot and no one wanted him and said he was too short to play qb. More than that, Brees is one of the great people in the NFL. The way he embraced the city of New Orleans. He and his wife have been apart of New Orleans recovery from Hurrican Katrina with their foundation. Brees stated throughout their playoff run they were not only playing for themselves but for their downtrodden city. If they could bring some hope to a city that has been ravaged by anguish and despair, then they know they did their job. That's the kind of guy that you want your sons and daughters to be like.