Penn State

The decision and future of Penn State football has been decided and I want to weigh in as briefly as possible. I won't talk about the scandal, who hid what from whom, or who got hurt, this is about the football team.

The penalties are as follows for the Penn State football program:

Probation for five years
$60 million sanction
Four-year bowl ban
Vacates all wins from 1998-2011 of former coach Joe Paterno
Loss of 10 scholarships per year for four years (40 total)

Rodney Erickson has shown that he is the wrong man for the job at Penn State. I understand that the position he is in is a terrible one, but not an impossible one to make decisions for both sides. He, as the university president, must look out for the image of the college, as well as the faculty, students, and culture of the college (football is Penn State). When these sanctions were slid across the table for him to sign off on, he couldn't wait to sign off and start making this go away. Had the NCAA asked him to abolish football all-together he would've did a little jig on the top of the table if they'd asked. He could've asked, pleaded, begged, for the “death penalty” and gotten it, and Penn State football would've been better off. Bottom Line: He made a bad decision, he had room to maneuver, he could've at least tried.

Now onto the penalties...

Probation for 5 years- this is accurate, and acceptable.

$60 million in sanctions- this money will be donated at some time to charities dealing with the scandal. Universities like Penn State won't sweat $60 million.

Vacate all wins from 98-11 of Joe Paterno- This does nothing but infuriate the students, Paterno family, and Paterno fans and friends. It doesn't erase his legacy, but it's just rubbing salt in the wound. The man is dead, and this entire scandal probably helped accelerate his passing. He made bad choices, everyone does. What he did on the field has nothing to do with his mistakes off-field.

Four-year bowl ban- This hurts the players already at the college. The seniors looking to play out their entire career at Penn State.

Loss of 10 scholarships per year for four years (40 total)- This sets the football program back at least four years, but surely more. I think this was pretty harsh despite the chain of deception and everything involved with the scandal. I believe five scholarships per year for four years (20 total) would've sent a strong message.

Players on the team can transfer and become eligible immediately to play- Stick a knife in them, they're done. There isn't any reason for any senior that has aspirations for NFL Sundays to stay at Penn State. The university is a mess, the chain of command is a mess, and if you can leave and play immediately, why stay? The football program is set back probably a decade now because of the sanctions, if not more.

Bottom Line: Penn State football is dead for at least a decade. Players around the country who would've played for them, won't. They've lost recruits, will lose current players, fans, money, and anything else that can be taken.

The NCAA flexed their muscles in the wrong way here, but that's what the NCAA does: make mistakes. It doesn't matter the sport, but in the past seven months in basketball and football, it has shown that they have made mistakes in how they handle business. The NCAA needs an overhaul in the way they handle things. The NCAA needs someone to balance them.

Ducks Off-Season

                                                 Keep this "Big 3" together

The Anaheim Ducks have had a lot of positives this off-season, but one very bad negative still lingers.

The Ducks have signed free agents Bryan Allen and Sheldon Souray, both defenders, both to three-year deals. Allen will earn 10.5 million while Souray will earn 11 million. While I'm not a fan of the Ducks burning roughly 6 million of their cap for this year, they needed defenseman to compliment Cam Fowler, and they got it. Both Allen and Souray are ranked in the top 30 of CBS Sportsline.com 2012 NHL Free Agents (Allen #16, Souray #27). The Ducks were looking at Suter, but weren't as committed as Minnesota was to paying him. Other top defenseman were signed up before the Ducks had a chance, and both Allen and Souray are veteran at the D position and will compliment Fowler well. With the promised return of points leader Teemu Selanne, the Ducks have one less worry about filling an offensive and scoring hole on their team.

The one cloud hanging over the Ducks since the draft has been Bobby Ryan. Visibly upset with the team, and was someone who was a hot trade talk subject on draft day, Ryan stayed with the Ducks, but isn't very happy. He isn't pleased with how the team has been progressing, and wishes to be a greater part of the team, otherwise he wants out. The Ottawa Senators, along with the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning are thought to have interest in Bobby Ryan. Any of these teams could use the young forward, but it would take an even trade of talent or prospects for the Ducks to part with one of the “Big 3” (Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan). Ducks need to clear cap to sign Perry and Getzlaf, and this year would be better than next when they become free agents.

The Ducks have many holes sown up from their team last year. The goalie position has been fortified with Viktor Fasth backing up Jonas Hiller. Teemu is back for most likely his last season, Koivu is back for the same as Selanne, Cam Fowler has seasoned help in the back of the rink, the only problem is Bobby Ryan. Trade for Rick Nash? Trade him to any of the teams listed above? Hang onto him until the trade deadline and trade him then? Or maybe Ryan can become a more critical part of the offense and he can once again be happy to be in California? 

I'm hoping for the last one. I want this Ducks team ready for a new-looking NHL in 2012-2013 as we begin Conference play and not Division play.

pic found here Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/playerpage/20378/bryan-allen

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/playerpage/19489/sheldon-souray

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/playerpage/19377/teemu-selanne

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/teams/page/ANA/anaheim-ducks

Bucks Draft

                                                           Another bad draft?

Draft night has gone and with little shakeups. I scored a 1 or 2 out of 10 (though I hadn't done an updated list before the draft, and Drummond did go to the Pistons like I slightly predicted). The Milwaukee Bucks had two draft pics: 14^th in the 1^st round, and the 12^th pick in the 2^nd round (42^nd overall).

Jon Hensen- Shot blocker out of North Carolina, 21 years old, 6-10, 216lbs. The Bucks chose a player like him in last years draft (Larry Sanders) and didn't receive any return on him yet. Hensen adds depth to the Power Forward position, joining Drew Gordon and Ersan Ilyasova (assuming the Bucks keep him through free agency). Jon Leuer, who wasn't bad off the bench and starting at times last season, was traded before the draft to Houston, along with Shaun Livingston and Jon Brockman for swapping pick positions (Houston 14^th, Milwaukee 12^th) and the Bucks received center Samuel Dalembert as well. The Power Forward position may become weakened as the off-season progresses, but at least the Bucks may have a center now. If the Bucks needed a big man, capable of offense, shot blocking, and all-around play, they had other options: Terrence Jones, Perry Jones III, and Tyler Zeller were all available (Zeller now looks really good, considering Cleveland gave up Bernard James (C/PF out of Florida State), Jae Crowder, (SF out of Marquette), and Jared Cunningham (SG from Oregon State). Had the Bucks drafted Zeller, they could've talked with Cleveland and had them pick differently... Perry Jones III (satisfies their desire for a big guy capable of offense and defense), Tyshawn Taylor (shooter), and whatever else they would need (probably another shooter) as well as still draft Doron Lamb.

Doron Lamb- 6-5, 199lbs, 20 years old. Bucks get a shooter here, in a backcourt that is considerably lacking of depth. I would've liked to seen the Bucks get Tyshawn Taylor, who was drafted one position earlier by Portland. Lamb was the best shooter available, so this pick was simple for the Bucks.

Overall, I think this draft may be looked at as missed opportunity for the Bucks (again). It wasn't a bad draft for them at first glance, and unlike other teams, they haven't mortgaged their entire franchise on one player and fallen terribly flat on their faces. 

Shoutouts to Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom, both Marquette players drafted in the second round, and thanks to the Cleveland/Dallas trade, now NBA teammates, tear it up in big D boys. Two special shoutouts, one to a favorite player of mine, Thomas Robinson and to Bernard James. James served in the Air Force for years from 03-08, 3 tours in total. 27 years old, and a great moment at the draft getting a chant of “USA” from the crowd. Thomas Robinson, one of the strongest willed basketball players the media will ever come across. Mentality off the court is tested in greater ways than on the court. A strong will, character, and desire to keep moving forward, if you're not familiar with Robinson's story, click the link below. Hope these two succeed greatly, no matter how long they are involved in the NBA.

Thomas Robinson story- http://www.sportsgrid.com/nba/thomas-robinson-journey/

Thomas Robinson drafted- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO5dLt3v0b4

Bernard James drafted- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyPzfQcz_Og

Bucks logo from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Bucks

Euro Final 4

Spain looked like Spain: great, Germany like a finely-tuned machine, Portugal was good, and Italy was taken to penalties by an England team that looked lost on the field (sadly). The semi-finals are set: The Euro 2012 Final 4: Germany vs Italy, Spain vs Portugal.

Semi-Final Matches

Portugal vs Spain- Portugal has been playing well, and their defense has been a key to that. Spain though, has been looking like the Kings of Europe as well as the Kings of The World. Every bit of Spain's game has been looking great. Winner-Spain

Germany vs Italy- Italy was playing well, then floundered against England and was able to limp away with a shootout win. With the amount of chances, the way they played on offense and defense, Italy probably should've won 2-0, if not more. Meanwhile, Germany surrendered a penalty kick goal against an upset-minded Greece team, only after the 70^th minute and the game well in hand. Italy can challenge Germany for a spot in the final, but not if they play like they did today. Winner-Germany

With the final four teams left, here's to hoping for two games of exciting soccer. It shouldn't be a surprise that I'm choosing Spain to go all the way and retain their title of Kings of Europe, they are playing great and won their previous game without Fernando Torres. Portugal has one of the best players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, but he'll need all of team Portugal to get past Spain.

Euro 2012

                                                What is still the goal for 8 teams

The group stage of Euro 2012 is in the books and there are some clear winners and losers. For the most part, those who moved on will be the winners. Lets take a look

Winners- Czech Republic- Left for dead after a 4-0 defeat on the first day of their group matches, the Czechs stormed back and claimed the group title.

Greece- A long shot before the group stages began, Greece tied Poland on day 1, lost to the Czech Republic, and won against Russia to advance.

Germany- The only team to win all three games, the Germans are looking like the best team in Euro 2012.

Spain- The only team in Euro 2012 that won their group stage the past two times, Spain looks to be on a collision course with Germany.

Italy- Win and your in, how simple it sounds, how hard it really is. Italy did what they had to do and are advancing with Spain (the only team to draw with Spain in the group stage).

England- Wayne Rooney comes up big in his first game of Euro 2012. He scores the only goal and sends England on to the Elimination Rounds.

Losers-

Russia- A favorite going in, Russia looked to be the easy choice to win Group A after the first day. A 4-0 win versus the Czech Republic was followed up with a tie against Poland and then a must win against Greece turned into a nightmare 1-0 loss.

Netherlands- A favorite to win Euro 2012, the World Cup runner-up, a team that was thought to be better than the runner-up squad, and they lay a goose egg in group play. Denmark upset them on day one and things never got going after that. The “group of death” was supposed to beat Denmark down and leave them for dead, instead it was the Netherlands, who fail to advance. Possibly the most disappointing of Euro 2012.

Ireland- I didn't consider Ireland a choice to advance out of their group, but a -8 goal difference is pretty bad. A goose egg as well only adds to the disappointments Ireland suffered.

Match predictions-

Germany vs Greece- Germany most likely will advance. They are just too good, and though Greece is riding high on advancing when people thought they wouldn't, I just think Germany is too good right now. I will be cheering for Greece and the upset though. Winner-Germany

Czech Republic vs Portugal- The Czechs look to be getting better, but Portugal, behind Cristiano Ronaldo have done the same. Both needed to win to advance and did so. I think Portugal is playing better (their defense is stepping up), and you can't argue against a Cristiano Ronaldo that is coming on. If they lean on Ronaldo, it could backfire, but I think Portugal wins. Winner-Portugal

Spain vs France- Spain is one of the best teams in the world no matter what countries are involved. They have been playing very well, and in my view, are just too much for France to compete with. Winner-Spain

Italy vs England- England has their leader back, are playing well, and haven't stumbled since the first game of their Euro 2012 campaign. Italy has also played well, but the difference will be how hard each team has had to fight. England is ready for a competitive game, Italy last played a flat Ireland team. Winner-England

Euro 2012 has had many great moments regardless of which team has won a match. For the world watching, I'm hoping the good times continue. 

Picture from http://www.timeoutkl.com/aroundtown/events/UEFA-EURO-2012-trophy-viewing

Timothy Bradley vs Manny Pacquiao

                             Guy in the bottom left looking up says everything you 
                             need to know about the fight

115-113 across the board, split decision for the winner...AND NEW, WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION, TIMOTHY BRADLEY! The minute I heard the first scorecard announced that close, I knew something was going to happen. It was the same as in Houston when Juan Diaz stole the fight from Paul Malignaggi. Timothy Bradley fought a very good fight, but he was outclassed, out-powered, and out-boxed by “Pacman”. Watching the fight with my brother, who was scoring it and taking notes, we both agreed that Pacquiao won the fight hands down. Bradley may have won 3 rounds at maximum, but to say he won enough to beat Manny in this fight, no. I love a good upset, as well as chaos, but this is a little much. 9 rounds to 3 at best, Pacquiao wins a fight that wasn't as close as the scorecards say.

Winners- Timothy Bradley- Congrats man, you are at the highest you will reach. Enjoy it. You said you want to do a rematch, and if you fight the same way you did tonight, you WILL lose next time. Manny will be head hunting.

Losers- Manny Pacqiao, The Boxing World- Manny fought a great fight, showed how great of a fighter he remains to be, and gets screwed. The Floyd vs Manny fight wasn't going to happen, but now it may be 6 feet under. Sucks for true fans of boxing.

Unaffected- Floyd Mayweather, Bob Arum- Like I said, the fight wasn't going to happen (regardless of whatever Floyd will say), but now it's all but dead. Bob Arum doesn't care, he was in the way of the fight before, and Timothy Bradley is signed under him, so he doesn't lose. 

picture from NY Daily News

Sports Blogs

What I Would Change in Final Fantasy: Dirge of Cerberus

                                                  Let the gunplay begin!!!

Taking a break from sports to write about something I don't often do, but something that has been taking up my free time: video games. Borrowing the game, Final Fantasy: Dirge of Cerberus from my fiancee, I recently completed it (haven't gotten all the items I've needed, so I have to go back and get them), but I wanted to take a few moments to offer some ideas of what I would change or add to the game. This blog is intended for those who have played the game, or those who know the storyline.

Addition of more chapters- I don't have many ideas for this, but a longer storyline, and perhaps more in-depth storyline would have added to the games playability. There are only 12 chapters (14 stages) and one of the chapters is purely a story chapter where Vincent interacts with everyone. Ideas for additions to storyline

Play level(s) as ground assault- Assist WRO on the ground. Three stages, one as each of the characters from FF7 (Tifa, Cloud, Barret).

Play a level as Yuffie Kisaragi before she meets up with Vincent before the Nero fight. If you can play as Cait Sith, you should be able to play as Yuffie.

Fight Azul with his shield intact- You destroy the shield in the cutscene (a mako-infused beast who stands over 9 feet tall needs a shield?), then proceed to run around and beat Azul with little to no difficulty (this time). I'd like to see a little more added difficulty and see you have to defeat him while he has his shield. It would force the player to melee and use materia.

Cutscenes respond to how you defeat bosses- If you beat a boss with a Limit Break, it should show a cutscene with Vincent in Galian Beast form, beating the boss, just would be cool.

Fighting through Omega- This is the final stages of the game where Vincent Valentine (in Chaos form) is within Omega and traveling through different locations to get to the eventual final battle. Omega is the plants ultimate weapon, the game (even on the easiest level) should make it challenging. Swarms of enemies would've been nice, the player can handle it. Vincent is wielding the Death Penalty, the strongest weapon in the game in regards to average damage per shot. The gun can kill multiple enemies at once, the player could handle an absolute swarm. Instead, very little resistance. Also, Vincent (in Chaos form) can handle a ton of damage and keep going. The player should have to fight tooth and nail to get to the final fight.

Omega vs Chaos- After you beat Omega Weiss, there are only cut scenes then left for the player to go through. I thought it would be awesome (as well as a challenge) to play the cutscene when Omega is stopped by Vincent in his Chaos Form. There should be a time limit on how long it takes to kill him. You are flying side by side with him, and have to fire off enough rounds or melee enough in the time limit to trigger the cut scene where Vincent would rise above, then slam into Omega.

Stuff to add to storyline- I'm a fan, so this is purely opinion, but I think a few hints towards a Vincent and Yuffie, or “Yuffentine” relationship would add to the storyline. Cid is married, Tifa is still waiting for Cloud, Cloud has openly shown his lagging feelings for the deceased Aerith (Aeris). Having a series of romantic situations seasoned in-between the flow of action and flashbacks into Vincent's past would bring out a rarely scene side of the character that is Vincent Valentine. It would work well at the end with a cutscene of Vincent and Yuffie preparing for a relaxing night alone or going out on a date. Seeing both of them in something other than their traditional wardrobes would be neat.

Square Enix has produced a ton of Final Fantasy games for various consoles. Most Final Fantasy fans have read the fanfiction Sink to The Bottom With You (if you haven't, do so because it is very well written and very entertaining, despite being unfinished). I think it would be fantastic if they would make Sink to The Bottom With You into a game. There would have to be a lot of things done to make this happen (like contacting the writer of the story which no one has seemed to be able to do), but I believe if Square Enix wanted to make the story into a game they would be able to get a hold of the author. The story is involved, interesting, and long. The player could play as any of the main character in the story, or Square Enix could make it alternating playability depending on if they followed the story a hundred percent (a few chapters focusing on Vincent and Yuffie, a chapter or two focusing on Cloud and Tifa and the others). There're strong enemies, a great plot, just too much stuff to pass up for it not to be a great game in the Final Fantasy saga. They could make it as part of an anniversary package or something of that order. Or at the very least, turn Sink to The Bottom With You into a movie like Advent Children.

Dirge was a good game, but could've been better as Final Fantasy's first ever first-person shooter. It was entertaining, but short, informative, but too many cutscenes. In all, rent Dirge, but don't buy it. You may not complete 100% of it in the weekend unless you are dedicated and are getting helped by a walkthrough, but you will complete the storyline and have fun doing it.


picture from http://www.dailyfreegames.com/