"After dropping 31 with the mask last night, Lebron decides to sign with the Super Friends after contract with Heat expires."
"Man says Domino's Pizza burned him when he had sex with it: company responds" *** (THIS IS ACTUALLY NOT A RUMOR)
Friday, February 28, 2014
Fake Rumors of the Week (2/28)
"After dropping 31 with the mask last night, Lebron decides to sign with the Super Friends after contract with Heat expires."
Thursday, February 27, 2014
15 Week Trivia Contest (9)
1. Over 15 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started January 2, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 15th week, we will have a final bonus question in which wagering (based on your cumulative 14 week score) will be used.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
WEEK 9 TRIVIA QUESTION (2/27)
No Outside Resources
From the picture below, (1) for 2 points, name the Pro Football Hall of Famer, (2) for 2 points, name the NFL team(s) (all teams, if applicable) he played for, and (3) for 2 points, name the U.S. State he ran for governor.
(1) Lynn Swann, (2) Pittsburgh Steelers, (3) Pennsylvania
(1) Lynn Swann, (2) Pittsburgh Steelers, (3) Pennsylvania
Week 9 Scoreboard
|
Name
|
Week
Score
|
Cumulative
|
|
Matthew T.
|
0
|
20
|
|
Derrick D.
|
6
|
34
|
|
Bruce B.
|
0
|
35
|
|
Jonathan S.
|
0
|
20
|
|
Tanner C.
|
0
|
6
|
|
Jeff F.
|
6
|
26
|
|
Nicole A.
|
6
|
42
|
|
Sallie W.
|
0
|
21
|
|
Tyler S.
|
0
|
3
|
|
Burt F.
|
0
|
23
|
|
Evan K.
|
0
|
3
|
|
Jarred S.
|
0
|
19
|
|
Bryan M.
|
6
|
29
|
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Athletes with Killer Instincts Since 1990: No. 7
7. Roger Federer
Roger Federer, who has played at the professional level since 1998, is arguably the greatest men's tennis player of all-time. Federer holds an impressive amount of men's world records for tennis during the Open Era. In addition to holding the No. 1 position for 302 weeks overall, Federer held the No. 1 spot for 237 consecutive weeks from 2004 to 2008. That is absolutely unbelievable! Think about it for a second, 237 consecutive weeks. Further, Federer has won the most Grand Slam titles at 17, another remarkable feat.
Even though Federer has lost the edge he once had, he still continues to play at a high level and won Wimbledon recently in 2012. Sure, tennis isn't as prevalent to many Americans as football, basketball, or baseball, but Federer was a lock for this list due to his intelligence, dominance, and longevity.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Super
Sensitive topic for our little blog today, but an important one to discuss. Two big stories in the sports world have revolved around 2 very courageous athletes: Michael Sam and Jason Collins. One couldn't say that these gentlemen are superstars on the field of play this week. Jason Collins had zero points to go with his five fouls and two rebounds in a game against the Lakers and Michael Sam, though the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the SEC, ran a 4.9 40 yard dash and only mustered 17 reps on the bench in the combine (not unimpressive as I can't do those things but compared to other athletes). The reason a lifetime NBA role player and a projected middle round pick in the upcoming NFL draft are making news is because they've done all of this while being openly gay.
Jason Collins came out in the NBA offseason and found himself without a team for the current NBA schedule until this week when a short-handed Brooklyn Nets team signed him to a 10 day contract. His stat line in his first game this year was certainly unremarkable but the fact that he was the first openly gay player to compete in one of America's largest sporting leagues is a big story. Michael Sam is taking a different path. He came out to the public after having a stellar year for the Missouri Tigers and ultimately winning that player of the year award. Despite criticism from his own father, Michael potentially jeopardized his draft stock so that he could come out to the world. Apparently his teammates at Mizzou had already known and were supportive of him.
Unfortunately, I am unsure if this will continue to be the case. I'm not so sure everyone thinks this is as "super" as others. Professional sport leagues, in some regards, are the last bastion of playground mentality left in America. Though there are certainly a fair share of people who find being gay immoral and aren't ok with it, it seems that this group is more concentrated in locker rooms. It saddens me to think that we live in a world not progressive enough to accept anyone for who they are and often let a 2000 year old book dictate what we believe (despite the fact that it say to love one another above all else).
This blog isn't meant to be political, nor is it meant to cast any dispersion against religion. This is merely a reminder that sport is a distraction. A luxury we all have and invest in. Does it really matter who plays it? It just strikes me as odd that people have no problem cheering for and paying money to specifically watch a noted philanderer, domestic abuser, or a cheater but draw the line when someone chooses a different lifestyle of their own. And worse probably perpetuate said hate to any ill-conceived offspring who don't know any better than what dad tells them.
I know I'm not the first but I applaud these two guys. It takes guts to say what they have said and be judged, because that is what is happening, not by their stat line but by their lifestyle. And I hope I'm around long enough to where a player announcing they're lifestyle choice isn't a big deal to the press because it's more common than not. That'd be super.
We'll leave it there for today. Feel free to leave your comments and don't forget to follow us on Twitter @GRHuddle and like us on Facebook as well.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Who's Who in Sports: Pete Babcock
Do you remember the Dominique Wilkins, Mookie Blaylock, and Lenny Wilkins era of the Atlanta Hawks? If so, you may also recall that Pete Babcock was the General Manager of the Hawks from 1990-2003. I have been privileged enough to network with Pete over the past several weeks, and want to share some of the interesting things I have learned from him.
Before entering the NBA, Babcock was a high school basketball coach in Phoenix, AZ, following his playing career at Arizona State. Babcock desperately wanted to be involved with the NBA, but was not sure of the best way to enter the profession. Interestingly, Babcock spent an entire season, while still coaching in high school, building a file on each NBA team in the league. When the season ended, Babcock wrote each NBA team and attached a copy of his scouting report for that team. Further, Babcock volunteered his scouting services for free to whichever team would take him. The New Orleans Jazz were the only team that accepted his offer. From there, Babcock networked with others, notably Jack McCloskey, and eventually worked his way up to becoming the General Manager of the Clippers and later the Hawks.
Some of the most interesting things I have learned from him concern player evaluation and family. Some of you may have seen the movie Moneyball. One of the key premises of the movie hinges on the ability of a professional sports organization to use empirical, or statistical, analysis to draft and acquire players. I asked Babcock what his thoughts were on making decisions solely based on numbers. I loved his response. Babcock argued that numbers are important and certainly must be considered. However, there are many other qualitative aspects that statistics cannot encompass.
As an example, suppose you have a center who averages 25 points/game and 10 rebounds/game on a team with another dominant big man (i.e., power forward). While these statistics are useful for a aspiring team to acknowledge, a qualitative analyst may ask questions about that team's chemistry and the impact of having another dominant forward/center on the same team. In other words, just because a player produces impeccable numbers on a given team, it does not necessarily mean that player's statistics will be held constant on another team with different chemistry and personnel. Thus, from chatting with Babcock, I learned that a mixed approach seems most effective.
Babcock's dedication to player development truly impressed me. Yes, the primary goal of a general manager is to field winning teams, but Babcock knew that family and investment were significant as well. When becoming acquainted with Babcock, I loved hearing about his team's "field trips" to various sites and monuments on road trips. When the team traveled to cities with notable landmarks, Babcock often arranged for the team to visit these places as an educational and bonding experience. For example, when the team played in Washington, D.C., Babcock was able to connect with the Secretary of Defense, who personally gave the team a tour of the entire Pentagon! When the team was in Denver, the team arranged a field trip to the Cheyenne Mountain nuclear bunker (aka NORAD bunker) near Colorado Springs. If you are not familiar with this bunker, it is a command center that is located inside a mountain and supposed to be able to withstand a nuclear explosion. Can you imagine being able to take a field trip there? Babcock remarked that players, such as Nazr Mohammed, later came and told him that the field trip to the bunker was one of their favorite experiences with the franchise.
There's a lot more I could say about Pete Babcock, but I hope I have given you some perspective on him. After meeting with him, I will notably remember his path to success in the NBA. In today's world, where jobs seem scarce and even more competitive, I learned that if you have a passion for a career in a particular area, live your passion. Sure, employers may pose barriers and may decline upon first encounter, but Babcock showed me ways to market myself and my abilities - through volunteering, hard work, and perseverance. Remember, only 1 NBA team allowed Babcock to serve as a volunteer scout, and that's all it took to help Babcock network and eventually become a general manager!
Before entering the NBA, Babcock was a high school basketball coach in Phoenix, AZ, following his playing career at Arizona State. Babcock desperately wanted to be involved with the NBA, but was not sure of the best way to enter the profession. Interestingly, Babcock spent an entire season, while still coaching in high school, building a file on each NBA team in the league. When the season ended, Babcock wrote each NBA team and attached a copy of his scouting report for that team. Further, Babcock volunteered his scouting services for free to whichever team would take him. The New Orleans Jazz were the only team that accepted his offer. From there, Babcock networked with others, notably Jack McCloskey, and eventually worked his way up to becoming the General Manager of the Clippers and later the Hawks.
Some of the most interesting things I have learned from him concern player evaluation and family. Some of you may have seen the movie Moneyball. One of the key premises of the movie hinges on the ability of a professional sports organization to use empirical, or statistical, analysis to draft and acquire players. I asked Babcock what his thoughts were on making decisions solely based on numbers. I loved his response. Babcock argued that numbers are important and certainly must be considered. However, there are many other qualitative aspects that statistics cannot encompass.
As an example, suppose you have a center who averages 25 points/game and 10 rebounds/game on a team with another dominant big man (i.e., power forward). While these statistics are useful for a aspiring team to acknowledge, a qualitative analyst may ask questions about that team's chemistry and the impact of having another dominant forward/center on the same team. In other words, just because a player produces impeccable numbers on a given team, it does not necessarily mean that player's statistics will be held constant on another team with different chemistry and personnel. Thus, from chatting with Babcock, I learned that a mixed approach seems most effective.
Babcock's dedication to player development truly impressed me. Yes, the primary goal of a general manager is to field winning teams, but Babcock knew that family and investment were significant as well. When becoming acquainted with Babcock, I loved hearing about his team's "field trips" to various sites and monuments on road trips. When the team traveled to cities with notable landmarks, Babcock often arranged for the team to visit these places as an educational and bonding experience. For example, when the team played in Washington, D.C., Babcock was able to connect with the Secretary of Defense, who personally gave the team a tour of the entire Pentagon! When the team was in Denver, the team arranged a field trip to the Cheyenne Mountain nuclear bunker (aka NORAD bunker) near Colorado Springs. If you are not familiar with this bunker, it is a command center that is located inside a mountain and supposed to be able to withstand a nuclear explosion. Can you imagine being able to take a field trip there? Babcock remarked that players, such as Nazr Mohammed, later came and told him that the field trip to the bunker was one of their favorite experiences with the franchise.
There's a lot more I could say about Pete Babcock, but I hope I have given you some perspective on him. After meeting with him, I will notably remember his path to success in the NBA. In today's world, where jobs seem scarce and even more competitive, I learned that if you have a passion for a career in a particular area, live your passion. Sure, employers may pose barriers and may decline upon first encounter, but Babcock showed me ways to market myself and my abilities - through volunteering, hard work, and perseverance. Remember, only 1 NBA team allowed Babcock to serve as a volunteer scout, and that's all it took to help Babcock network and eventually become a general manager!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
JD's Deuce Points (Maybe I'm goin' deaf, maybe I'm goin' blind...)
1. Lady and the Wife
I was getting way too invested in this blogging. So, I had to give it up for months to spend more time with Lady and my wife. They've been very appreciative of my time off from blogging. I mean, I was checking all the time to see how often my Deuce Points were trending. USA Today, here I come! Just remember: "Women: can't live without them, can't pee standing up."
SI needs to clean up
2. Blurred Lines
Maybe I'm goin' deaf, maybe I'm goin' blind, but have you guys seen the latest SI Swimsuit cover? Jeezums. I romanticize about the past when women were modest, kids played in the yard, firefighters pulled cats out of trees, and Bud gave people malts and shakes at the local diner.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Fake Rumors of the Week (2/21)
"Braves bringing in the fired cast of the NFL Today for possible contract talks."
"Marching Bands are increasingly running out during pregame festivities; Nick Saban demands a 'slow-down' to prevent injuries"
Thursday, February 20, 2014
15 Week Trivia Contest (8)
1. Over 15 weeks, we will be asking a trivia question each Thursday. The challenge started January 2, 2014.
2. Answers must be submitted to groundrulehuddle@gmail.com by 11:59 PM Eastern Time the day the question is posted.
3. Scoring will be based on each week's question.
4. During the 15th week, we will have a final bonus question in which wagering (based on your cumulative 14 week score) will be used.
5. The winner will receive an Amazon Gift Card and an opportunity to be featured on the blog.
WEEK 8 TRIVIA QUESTION (2/20)
No Outside Resources
Listed below are the names/nicknames of existing (or former) sports venues where Championship teams played.
For 1 point each, name the team that played at each venue. You do not need to say the year the team won, just the team or franchise. If you guess all 5 correctly, you will receive an extra 2 points. Some of the teams still play at these venues.
A. "The Madhouse on Madison" (NBA Team) Chicago Stadium (Chicago Bulls)
B. American Airlines Center (NBA Team) Dallas Mavericks
C. "The House that Rupp Built" (NCAA Basketball Team) Kentucky Wildcats
D. "Happy Valley" (NCAA Football Team) Penn State Nittany Lions
E. RFK Stadium (NFL Team) Washington Redskins
Week 8 Scoreboard
For 1 point each, name the team that played at each venue. You do not need to say the year the team won, just the team or franchise. If you guess all 5 correctly, you will receive an extra 2 points. Some of the teams still play at these venues.
A. "The Madhouse on Madison" (NBA Team) Chicago Stadium (Chicago Bulls)
B. American Airlines Center (NBA Team) Dallas Mavericks
C. "The House that Rupp Built" (NCAA Basketball Team) Kentucky Wildcats
D. "Happy Valley" (NCAA Football Team) Penn State Nittany Lions
E. RFK Stadium (NFL Team) Washington Redskins
Week 8 Scoreboard
|
Name
|
Week
Score
|
Cumulative
|
|
Matthew T.
|
2
|
20
|
|
Derrick D.
|
3
|
28
|
|
Bruce B.
|
4
|
35
|
|
Jonathan S.
|
0
|
20
|
|
Tanner C.
|
0
|
6
|
|
Jeff F.
|
0
|
20
|
|
Nicole A.
|
7
|
36
|
|
Sallie W.
|
3
|
21
|
|
Tyler S.
|
0
|
3
|
|
Burt F.
|
4
|
23
|
|
Evan K.
|
0
|
3
|
|
Jarred S.
|
4
|
19
|
|
Bryan M.
|
4
|
23
|
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Athletes with Killer Instincts Since 1990: No. 8
8. Tom Brady
Brady or Manning? Well, in this case, Brady. Sports enthusiasts are always debating which QB is better, and I'm not sure why they can't independently be elite QBs because they are both among the best QBs of all time.
Manning may be the best pure passer of all-time. However, a lot of people, including myself, have argued that Manning isn't clutch - a statement that isn't completely true. A recent poll, which was an anonymous survey of 320, indicated that Tom Brady received 128 votes to Peyton Manning's 86 votes for "QB you would most want in the huddle with 2 minutes left and the Super Bowl on the line." However, throughout their careers, Manning has compiled 40 comeback drives when trailing in the 4th quarter to Brady's 30.
Tom Brady
I think the biggest differentiator though is what Brady does in the postseason. Brady has appeared in 5 Super Bowls and led his team to 3 victories, including some pretty clutch moments. In addition, Brady always has the Patriots contending. With the NFL's scheduling, where a division leader from the previous season has to play all other conference division winners, the fact that Brady has the Patriots winning the division almost every year is truly remarkable.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Where It's At
It's going to be 70 degrees here at the GRH offices in Athens today, which is odd considering there's still blocks of ice thawing on the side of the road from last week's winter storm. That's just how the weather is in Georgia sometimes though. Here's what it this sudden thaw really mean though. Spring sports are starting to get into swing and winter sports are starting the home stretch. It was a big weekend here in Athens. UGA baseball had its first home series, the basketball team played in its biggest game of the season, tennis played in the indoor championships with some startling results, softball hosted its second tournament in as many weeks, and the SEC Swimming Championships have taken up residence just down the hall. I have always loved collegiate springtime. There's something going on almost every day. Pair that with the impending basketball finish, The Master being right around the corner (and good golf weather in general), and pitchers and catchers reporting means we're breaking out of the doldrums of winter and into the warm promises of spring. Here's this week's brain droppings...
1) #WinOut - Lord McFather is convinced UGA still has a chance to go to the Big Dance this year and I suppose, technically, he's right. They could still win the SEC Tournament and go. If you read yesterday's Who's Who, you'll note that we at GRH don't think very highly of the SEC as a men's basketball conference. Currently there are 2 teams that are deserving to go (UF and UK). Missouri can make a case. Tennessee could make a case. But that's about it. However, knock off UT in Knoxville tonight and I may say differently. This would give the Hoop Dawgs a 15-10 record with all winnable games remaining on the schedule (Mizzou is the toughest but it's at home but Arkansas and LSU on the road aren't gimmes). 20-11 may be enough but I think that's a tall order. My thoughts are that this team should be NIT bound this year and I feel as if they have a very good chance at that. Next year should be the target for a potential run in the Big Dance but we'll see.
2) #CardiacCuse - Sticking with basketball, has anyone been paying attention to all of the close calls the #1 team in the land has had to endure. Buzzer beats from 10 feet behind the 3 point line. Last second steals and lay-ins. Syracuse is working hard to stay undefeated. Maybe harder than a #1 team should work. I think Jim Boeheim is one of the best in the game and no one runs a 2-3 like the Cuse but I just can't help to think they're an early exit from the tourney at this point. I like watching though so I hope they prove me wrong though. Right behind them are three very good teams in Florida, Wichita State (also undefeated), and Arizona (I know they lost the other night but it was in dramatic fashion on the road in double OT against a decent opponent that happened to be a rival). The end of college basketball season is shaping up to be a good one.
3) #DEFENSE - If you watched the NBA All-Star game you didn't see any. 163-155 is a ridiculous score for any basketball game but it was fun to watch. It's funny in a sport where players only care just enough to get through the regular season and then amp it up in the postseason. It seems to me there's no in between. I'm a huge fan of basketball and want to see it played well. That really only happens in the postseason in the NBA. And if I'm not getting basketball in its purist form, then I want a ridiculous game like the one from Sunday. Honestly, we're not that far from the All-Star game being Rock and Jock basketball from MTV. Maybe that's not that bad of a thing.
4) #LockingDown - Don't look now but the 1990's powerhouse that was the Atlanta Braves have decided to spend some money. And they happen to have done so to keep some locally grown talent from going anywhere else. The first contract was the small but important one of Jason Heyward. He only got a 2 year deal but his new contract will expire at the same time as Dan Uggla's. If the Braves want to keep him then they'll have the money. Of course, he'll have to prove he's worth it in the next two years and not Jeff Francouer all over again. Additionally, the Bravos signed long term deals with Freddie Freeman, Julio Tehran, and Craig Kimbrel solidifying the middle of the batting order, the front of the rotation, and the 9th inning closer. The Braves are still a young team but may have just kept the pieces in play for a nice run over the next few years.
5) #TEAMme - In news from lesser followed sports, the UGA men's tennis team took an interesting loss to the University of Texas over the weekend. After falling behind 3-1, the team roared back in individual matches to tie 3-3 with one point remaining and UGA serving for the match. On match point the UGA player incorrectly called a ball out when it was in and the point was awarded to the Texas player who went on to win the match in a tiebreaker. One of the great coaches at UGA, Manny Diaz suspended the player for the remainder of the tournament after his subsequent outburst at the official. Tennis at heart is an individual tournament but Coach Diaz's reaction is a good reminder that individual actions cost the team. In turn, UGA went on to lose twice more in the consolation bracket but may be a better team in the long run because of the experience. The NCAA Tennis Championships are in Athens this year and the team always plays well in front of a home crowd. Just remember that in May.
If you don't already, follow our antics on Twitter @GRHuddle and find us on Facebook. Hope everyone has a great week!
Monday, February 17, 2014
Who's Who in Sports: SEC Men's Basketball Coaches
Here at GRH we try to use our own backgrounds to bring you a lightly different perspective on the world of sport. Coaching is something that both of us are passionate about and when we sat down for dinner on Saturday night and watched the Florida/Kentucky basketball game, our conversation eventually turned to coaching in the SEC. We are both flummoxed by the mediocrity that has set in to a once legitimately balanced conference. But now, the SEC is merely known as a football powerhouse. However, as mentioned in an earlier post, the SEC is good at a lot of sports. For a long time it was the standard bearer in Women's Basketball. The gymnastics programs are very good. Women's softball, tennis (both male and female), golf (male and female), and baseball all seem to be in very capable hands. But what has happened to men's basketball? Apart from Florida (soon to be ranked #2) and traditional power Kentucky, there's no real program that can claim to above mediocre. Sure, Arkansas has been good in the past, as has Mississippi State and Tennessee. But there appear to be bigger issues.
For today's Who's Who, we wanted to take a look specifically at the coaching of men's basketball in the SEC. So we have devised a multi-tiered ranking system. Each coach is rated 1-14 in three categories, Recruiting, Fundamentals, and ability to get players to the next level. This composite gives us our final ranking. Of course, here you are striving for the lowest aggregate score. Our results are listed below. Feel free to chime in and let us know what you think about the rankings and the state of men's basketball in the SEC.
Brian's Rankings
Coach
|
Recruiting
|
Fundamentals
|
Next Level
|
Rank
|
Billy Donovan (UF)
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
T1
|
John Calipari (UK)
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
T1
|
Kevin Stallings (Van)
|
10
|
4
|
3
|
5
|
Frank Haith (Mizzou)
|
5
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
Anthony Grant (Bama)
|
7
|
5
|
8
|
6
|
Mark Fox (UGA)
|
12
|
2
|
7
|
7
|
Cuonzo Martin (UT)
|
9
|
9
|
6
|
T8
|
Mike Anderson (Ark)
|
4
|
7
|
4
|
3
|
Frank Martin (SC)
|
6
|
11
|
9
|
T10
|
Tony Barbee (Auburn)
|
11
|
13
|
12
|
12
|
Andy Kennedy (Ole Miss)
|
8
|
8
|
10
|
T10
|
Johnny Jones (LSU)
|
3
|
10
|
11
|
T8
|
Billy Kennedy (TXAM)
|
13
|
12
|
13
|
13
|
Rick Ray
(Miss St)
|
14
|
14
|
14
|
14
|
Jeremy's Rankings
Coach
|
Recruiting
|
Fundamentals
|
Next Level
|
Rank
|
Billy Donovan (UF)
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
T1
|
John Calipari (UK)
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
T1
|
Kevin Stallings (Van)
|
11
|
6
|
3
|
6
|
Frank Haith (Mizzou)
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
3
|
Anthony Grant (Bama)
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
T-7
|
Mark Fox (UGA)
|
10
|
2
|
5
|
5
|
Cuonzo Martin (UT)
|
7
|
9
|
9
|
T9
|
Mike Anderson (Ark)
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
4
|
Frank Martin (SC)
|
6
|
11
|
8
|
T9
|
Tony Barbee (Auburn)
|
13
|
12
|
14
|
13
|
Andy Kennedy (Ole Miss)
|
9
|
10
|
10
|
11
|
Johnny Jones (LSU)
|
3
|
8
|
11
|
T7
|
Billy Kennedy (TXAM)
|
12
|
13
|
12
|
12
|
Rick Ray
(Miss St)
|
14
|
14
|
13
|
14
|
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