Golberg's Way: Mike Leach unfairly let go?

It's been over a week since my last post and I did have an idea on where I wanted things to go today, but when I got a call from one Josh Golberg to sound off on this whole Mike Leach fiasco going on at Texas Tech, I couldn't refuse. Golberg could be the college sports guy for Wilber's Way and would like to see him continue to send me things like this. It's well done and would welcome more. (Yeah, I hope he's reading this!) So here goes!

For those following college football and Capital One Bowl Week more closely than our man Wilber here, something happened today that made my blood boil: Mike Leach, the head coach of Texas Tech, was fired.

Now, I’m a Wisconsin Badgers fan. With the exception of taking an inexplicable liking to Boise State (7-8 years ago), that has been my only college allegiance. I cheer for no other college team save for my alma mater, UW-Whitewater. I neither like, nor dislike, Texas Tech. Although I did admire them for going out and getting a proven winner for their hoops team a few years ago…namely Bobby Knight.

To sum up the problem: sophomore wide receiver Adam James (son of ESPN football analyst Craig James) suffered a concussion and coach Leach apparently had him locked/sequestered in an equipment room/broom closet or some other small enclosure under the supervision of a trainer. James reported this to the administration. They promptly suspended Leach for the Alamo Bowl. Leach filed a motion to coach the team. Tech then fired him. That pretty much brings us up to speed.

Couple things to consider before looking at the so-called “victim” in this case (Adam James)… 1) It seemed like Leach really never got along with the administration. After last season [their best in history, by the way] Leach got locked in a contract extension snafu and was moments from heading elsewhere before signing a 5-year, nearly $13 million deal to stay. 2) He was due an $800,000 bonus TOMORROW just for being the head coach on Dec. 31st. Store these two things away.

If you know anything about college athletes…they’re babies, whiners, prima donnas and walking time bombs. James’ statistics at Tech this year are nothing staggering: 17 catches with 1 touchdown this year. All this while playing in a pass-happy offense. Assuming you have a scholarship at Tech as a wide receiver, one can only assume you can run a route, catch the ball in traffic and hang onto it. But…Tech currently has 21 receivers on its roster. Yes…21!!!

Okay…you poor all these into a mixing bowl, add some butter, flour, a dash of cinnamon and a cup of milk…tah-dah…you’ve got a pretty good recipe for a scandal. At least that’s the way I see it. So here’s MY working theory on how this went down…starting from the beginning:

-Adam James thinks highly of his playing abilities as a receiver.

-He goes to Texas Tech, a place he thinks he can blossom a la Michael Crabtree.

-James gets lost in the shuffle, probably throws a few tantrums about playing.

-Coach Leach despises this behavior.

-James gets a concussion and continues to gripe.

-Citing concern for James’ safety, Leach locks him away for three hours.

-James gets out of said closet/room and phones bigwig poppa.

-Daddy at ESPN phones Texas Tech athletic director.

-Athletic director phones University president.

-Administrators, fearing boycott of ESPN programming, are compelled to act.

-They suspend Leach, hoping an apology is issued on his behalf.

-Leach does no such thing, feels he did no wrong and fights it.

-University officials wet their pants not foreseeing this.

-The dorky University accountant in the corner says they could save 800 large by firing him before midnight tomorrow.

-Texas Tech fires Coach Mike Leach.

Does this seem plausible and extremely likely to anyone else, given what we know?

Did the kid do something to piss off the coach? Maybe. Was he in grave danger or his life in danger while he was locked in that closet/room for three hours? Doubtful. Regardless, isn’t it a coach’s job to dictate discipline and penalize his players? If the player has a problem with it, so what? If he’s put in harms way, then it’s a problem. But have any of the trainers said anything? Or the assistant coaches? Not that I’ve heard or read. Maybe we should get their opinion.

It boils down to one simple thing, which we’re seeing more of: parents (specifically fathers) getting more involved with their son’s or daughter’s collegiate career and believe they know what’s better for him/her than the coach. Factor in someone with money/power/creditability or a big reputation and something bad is bound to happen.

We’re seeing this more and more as a different generation of youth transition into adulthood. Kids think they deserve more for doing less. The likelihood that Adam James was given every opportunity to succeed in the athletic world is extremely high. I’m guessing when he found out his skills didn’t match up with those around him, he did his best to put it on the coach for some other reason not involving him being talented enough to hack it. So what’s the answer? In this day and age…go crying to daddy.

See... That was pretty good! He's got a Nussie Hunter segment for today too, but I need to get a little jab in on the Bears' HUGE win over the Vikings Monday night.



I didn't get a chance to watch the Bears game Monday night as I was watching my ninth basketball game of the day for that other Web site I write for. But I was following along with the game and was getting texts all night from friends as the Bears played out of their minds for over three quarters, nearly blew the game and then seized it back.
Jay Cutler earned himself FedEx Air player of the week honors and showed what many fans, including myself, had expected of him all year. And you're saying where did this come from? Well, it's simple. Watch how much time Jay had to throw in the pocket. Each time Jay was able to survey the field and move around a bit in the pocket he hit the guy he wanted to.
It was something that was missing all year. He's been running for his life and instead of taking the sack, he tries to make stuff happen which results in the interception.
I'd say two things on the matter. First, Chris Williams showed he is the man at left tackle and will be there for the foreseeable future. That has to make Jay happy and helps solidify this offensive line that has been in flux all season. Second, I'm pretty sure Lovie saved his job, but someone is still going to take the fall for this rough season as the Bears will make a change at offensive coordinator. I'm not sure who that will be, but Jay is the key to the puzzle and they need to build around him. Start there and get him the pieces to make this team a winner. I'm talking wide receiver, offensive line, everything.

Alright, now it's time for the Nussie Hunter of Golberg's choice:

This gentlemen, is Lucy Pinder. Do you know of her? My guess is no. And that in itself, is a travesty. She’s 26 and an English model/actress. And the last time I checked her Wikipedia page, her cup size was a letter of the alphabet I normally don’t associate that measurement with. (It’s since been removed I think) What I love about Britain, is that they do photo shoots and magazine spreads that make American’s uncomfortable. Please note that this does not bother me. If you want more of her…try Google or her official website. Just make sure you’ve taken your heart medication.

Got a list and checking it twice!

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Fouth loss of season by 20 or more raises eyebrows in Chi-Town

It's becoming an almost regular occurrence for me to take to this space on Monday's and back Lovie Smith and say how he should keep his job and this season isn't totally his fault. Well, boys and girls, I'm starting to change my opinions. Another dismal loss without any positives to take whatsoever, besides the fact that NFL teams are allowed to be the only flight that lands in a major city during a snow storm, is a tough one to take.
The offense was bad all around, the defense crumbled and the special teams never really got a chance to do anything.
If the team just wasn't good I'd be OK, with just saying it, but Lovie dances around the topic during post game press conferences and then during his Monday meeting with the media makes a fool of himself.Yeah, he's losing a supporter and I'm not sure what I can say any more to back him.
I am a loyal guy and I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt to turn things around. I think the team needs a change in the offense for Jay's sake and some help. That's a point I've made clear before.
The defense needs playmakers. Lovie is calling that side of the ball this year and at times they have looked darn good. Losing the unit's best player hasn't helped matters much.
The fact of the matter is this, since the Bears lost Super Bowl XLI, the Bears have failed to reach the playoffs. That's something that cannot be argued. Players age and schemes around the NFL get built to take down Lovie's Cover 2 scheme. It is something very similar to what the West Coast offense did against the 4-6 defense back in the 80s. The Bears never got out of San Fran or New York after that.
I just hope Jerry Angelo knows what he's doing because lately he hasn't shown he does. Only make a move at the top if you know you can upgrade because I like to think Lovie is damn good at what he does.


Was combing the Interweb today and came across this story about a little dissension between Brett Favre and Brad Childress in Minnesota. I know there was an argument between the two of them, but I say this, don't read into this too much. They are good friends and Childress was trying to look out for the franchise and get the old guy out of a 19-point drubbing to the lowly Panthers.
I guess I live in Wisconsin and would like to see Favre and the Vikes tank down the stretch and see the Saints take the NFC so whatever trouble I can spot in Minnesota I'll take as a good thing. Not sure this will be much though. They Vikings do play the Bears on Monday night next week and unless it's 30 below or snowing like crazy on the lake front in Chicago next week, I don't see the Bears giving them a run.

OK, now for some video fun. This first one is just a funny commercial. "It's like implants for you butt." Yeah, good call Kelly Ripa, FTW!



Next up, Mike Tyson made a cameo on SNL over the weekend. Check this. Pretty funny.



And today's Nussie Hunter is a bit of a tribute. Heard news that Brittany Murphy passed over the weekend. Pretty sad. She was in Clueless and was awesome in 8 Mile next to my man Marshall. I figured I'd take this time to honor her in all her glory.

Bears put foot in mouth before heading off to Baltimore

A couple weeks ago it was Brian Urlacher, who hadn't been on the field since the first quarter of the Week 1 loss to the Packers that made waves with his words. Well, this week, it was Lance Briggs and Devin Hester's turn to send shockwaves through Halas Hall and send speculators running rampant through the Bears organization.
With the words he spoke in this story in the Chicago Tribune (among other places) Briggs set the world a fire and now the Bears, who aren't playing for a draft pick in the first two rounds to better, are in a public relations nightmare.
The focus here, should be on winning and with this nonsense it seems the last thing on the minds of Bears players and coaches is this week's opponent, the Ravens.
The attention is more on who will be gone and who will stay from what I am dubbing "The season of disappointment." Yeah, it's been rough, but really now this is no time for it.
I know what it is, really. It's media types, much like myself, who poke and pry and try to get something to write and they sure did it.
As mentioned in the story linked to above, Devin Hester had to turn to his Twitter page to set the record straight as to what he was meaning with his words.
To be fair, both of these guys are right with what they said. But hindsight is 20/20 and we can't afford to look back. You can't take back losing that girl you broke up with years ago and you can't change letting a coach or a player go here and there.
The guys need to play out the final three games against the Ravens, Vikings and Lions and hopefully win at least two of those.

As for this week against the Ravens, I did pick the Bears to win and there is good reason. I liked what I saw out of the Bears defense last week against the run after the big one to start. I hope they can bring that same intensity again this week because they'll need it against Ray Rice and this running game.
I think they will bring it. And Tommie Harris has started to show me something the past few weeks, too and if he keeps building, he could find his stride, too.
So, it comes down to the offense. Jay didn't play an awful game last week, but did make the awful throw that led to the winning touchdown.
He did admit this week that it has been hard to stay confident this season and that is the reason I tell the fans to not jump on this guy. It's a work in progress around him. He's trying to make plays. This week, I say he makes a couple, let's just hope it's not the big one that leads to the collapse again.
My prediction is this: Bears win this one 17-14 in a snow game that was moved back to 3:15. Both QBs give way to running games that move the pile and put some points on late, but it comes down to a Robbie Gould field goal.

A Friday night blog needs some comedy and we have to keep the Jersey Shore trip going. "Whereas and in reference to" The Situation and "Such as" Snooky this Bobby Bottle Service aka "The Service" is coming on strong. Haha. This is awesome!

Bobby Bottleservice - Jersey Shore Audition Tape - watch more funny videos

Alright, we quickly head to the Nussie Hunter portion of today's broadcast and it's a bit of Brewers news as well. The Crew signed another catcher in veteran Matt Treanor to a minor league contract and invited him to Major League Spring Training. That isn't news in itself that is fit for the Nussie Hunter, but when he did a search and Tom Haurdricourt pointed out Treanor is married to an Olympic medalist, Misty May-Treanor, he perked up.
Yes folks, the Brewers added another WAG to the stands at Miller Park. And the fans rejoice!

NFL Network finally has my attention

Hello all, I don't usually use this space as a soapbox to make my voice heard on an issue, but with this week's NFL schedule it is clear the cable companies need to get off their ass and get this thing on ALL basic packages.
I mean, look at this week. The NFL Network got real lucky with both of its primetime game, tonight's Colts @ Jaguars game and Saturday's Cowboys @ Saints game, both unbeaten teams will only be shown in about 40 million homes in the country.
If that doesn't sound like blasphemy to anyone else I don't know what does. I mean really, this is the National Football League, the greatest sports league in the country and both sides have been head strong in not budging to get this shown in the vast majority of homes.
It is on DirecTV and Dish Network, so if you live in a place where the cable company does not have it, you can still get the dish and be OK, but you shouldn't have to. This is ridiculous and this is just the situation the NFL Network has been hoping for to push the providers to pony up the cash to provide it. Most will only put it on the sports package, when the NFL Net demands being put on a basic package. Rightfully so, but really, are we five here kids? Just get this shit done already! Apologies for the language, but I'm very upset with this. Makes no sense to me. Took forever to get the Big Ten Network onto Charter and the NFL is much bigger and can't get on. Damn!
**Sigh**
Alright, enough of me ranting. Time for me to pick the winners of this week's NFL games. Winners are in bold, as always.
Colts @ Jaguars
Cowboys @ Saints
Patriots @ Bills
Cardinals @ Lions
Dolphins @ Titans
Browns @ Chiefs
Texans @ Rams
Falcons @ Jets
49ers @ Eagles
Bears @ Ravens
Bengals @ Chargers
Raiders @ Broncos
Packers @ Steelers
Bucs @ Seahawks
Vikings @ Panthers
Giants (24) @ Redskins (20)

Alright kids, now I got some videos for you. This first one is one that was passed to me by the same Luke that created the "Wilber's Way" flag. Not sure if this was a designed play or what. Check it!


OK, now we go t the NBA where one of my good friends, Austin and Travis, were at the Lakers Bucks game on Wednesday night. They're big Black Mamba fans and he delivered. If you've seen the shot, listen to the Bucks announcers voices.


One more video before we get into today's Nussie Hunter. This could be there, but I've featured the lovely Marissa Miller before and this is a pretty good video. Think of this as an early Christmas present from yours truly. I have one thing to say to Ms. Miller, "Tell me next time you're in Milwaukee!" It is the home of Harley!


Finally time for the Nussie Hunter today. And it's a good one! I'm sure every guy my age has seen the American Pie movies and Tara Reid is rather hot in them, not to mention Van Wilder. But lately she's more remembered for her botched boob job. Well, she's in this month's Playboy. Take a look for yourself, but I'd say she's back. And don't worry this isn't nakedness on my pages!

Brewers bullpen taking shape with Hawkins in fold

Forget for a minute that LaTroy Hawkins is wearing an Astros jersey in that photo will you? If you listen to Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin and what he's had to say about the 37-year-old Hawkins, Melvin and manager Ken Macha have sights on making Hawkins one of Trevor Hoffman's set up men for the seventh and eighth innings with Todd "I sing a mad tune and drink lots of Jaeger" Coffey.
He's also a back up plan in case - heaven forbid - something were to happen with Hoffman and he has to miss time as the closer.
He's a little old for me to belive, but I'm on board with Melvin who introduced Randy Wolf on Monday and could be bringing in the pieces to revamp the pitching staff and get this team back in the playoffs.
Of course, to end games there's "Trevor Time" and Hawkins, Stetter and Coffey will set it up. The Brewers also signed another lefty from the Rule 5 draft from the Indians and are filling out the bullpen. He's got the back-end of it about filled out.
That leaves likely three spots toward the 25-man roster heading into Spring Training that will likely get decided at camp. I'm saying Jeff Suppan is in that mix with Chris Smith, Tim Dillard, Josh Butler and John Axford. I'm leaving Chris Narveson off that list because I'm actually going to give him the No. 5 starter spot, giving the Brewers three southpaws in their starting rotation. Just think about how awesome that would be? Yeah, pitching will not be a problem for the Crew in 2010. Let's just hope all the youth around Ryan and Prince will be able to hit! That's the only thing that can send this season into a tail spin. The opposite problem as last year.
It looks like Corey Hart is going to stay and Melvin is going to give him one more year to bust out of his slump in right field. I'd say Jody "Fucking" Gerut - I Know it's not your middle name, I just like saying it! - is going to get plenty of looks in right and maybe in center if Carlos Gomez struggles, but Melvin is putting the onus on the offense to come through, now.

OK, now I got some non sports bits for you. This first one is pretty straightforward. Just tell me what you think. Bizarre or disturbing?



Next up is Alicia Keyes on the Colbert Report. Yeah, she's smoking, but she's not today's Nussie Hunter feature. This is more of a funny clip because Colbert is on point with this from last night. Love him doing the "Empire State of Mind" bit. I tried embedding it, but the code is bunk. So just click the link and take the first video.

Alright, now it's time for the Nussie Hunter. Pretty sure that just got you ready for this. I used to watch "Laguna Beach" on MTV back in the day and was pretty pumped to hear she Ms. Kristin Cavalarri was on "The Hills" last year. Now she's doing Rolling Stone and has an amazing photo shoot to show for it. Umm, I'm gonna say she is still as hot as she was in high school! Haha.

One game a microcosm of the season for the Bears

In the matter of three hours Sunday in Chicago the Chicago Bears showed basically how the season has been in a nutshell for fans, players and coaches.
There was the start, the initial thud of Ryan Grant running through and from the Bears defense and getting things started. Yeah, I was not happy and it was a horrible display of defense.
Then the Bears offense sputtered and Jay Cutler threw an interception as the lead for the Packers grew to 13-0 after a pair of field goals. Yeah, it looked bleak early.
Then, as the Bears have done at times, things almost looked like us fans thought they would. A great throw by Jay cut the lead to 13-7 and the defense came up with a turnover that turned the Packers away just before the half. The momentum seemed to be going in the Bears favor and the second half went in their favor again after missed Mason Crosby field goal and another Jay Cutler touchdown gave the Bears the lead.
Yes, they had the lead. Pretty remarkable, actually. But then, it all fell apart.
The offense started to sputter and Jay Cutler, who had not thrown a bad interception yet, threw an awful pick that set up what turned out to be the winning touchdown.
Then while the Bears were attempting to tie the game Lovie showed why he keeps getting mentioned as possibly losing his job with that whole using two timeouts for one challenge thing. I mean really? C'mon!
So yes, it was a 21-14 loss to the hated Packers as the season of disappointment continues to hit all-time highs. The Bears did find an answer in Devin Aromashoduh (sp?) that could be a threat at WR and the defense, after the 62-yard run on the first play of the game for the Packers, played rather stout.
So the defense graded out well, the offense, with mixed results and special teams was decent. It's been the story of the season. They have not found and answer in the slightest and I'm positive some sort of coaching change is going down at the end of the season. Whether that's Lovie or Ron Turner, I'm not exactly sure yet.



Alright, time for some positive vibes on this space today. The Brewers made it official and introduced Randy Wolf to the Milwaukee media and the people today. He made it clear he was happy to come here and would be happy to help get this team back in the playoffs! Yessir, that's what I like to hear and I know he's got the money, but when a guy puts the effort and makes it clear he's happy in his choice, it makes it sweeter.
I'm going to say this about Randy Wolf and I said it last week when the signing became official, he has the potential to be great here and lead this team. I really like the offense the team has and it won't take much in terms of pitching - just defense - to get this team over the top and back in the playoffs. I'm talking a division title this year, but the Cardinals are going to be tough. Even last year with what looked like a dream team, they struggled down the stretch. I'm not exactly sold on the Cubs, either, so it's wide open. Why not Brauny, Prince, Tits and the gang?!?!

Now I got some funny little bits. And they're Tiger Woods bits. I'm pretty sure it's witty and not tasteless. I'm about done on this topic, but found a few things over the weekend so I figured I'd post them here.



Can you figure out what this means? Hahaha!




This one explains itself. Hehe!



And this, well, this is just GREAT! Love this. My boys, Covino and Rich play the shit out of this! Haha.

Now to the Nussie Hunter portion of today's broadcast and I know I had Olivia Munn on this space in the last month and a half, but hell, she is on the cover of the latest Maxim and is damn fine. And she's more than just a pretty face. I think she is damn funny. Check this vid with her and Michael Clark Duncan.

Game Trailers - E3 2010 - Movies and TV

Alright, now just enjoy the still pictures! Here's the gallery!

Could a win this week take Lovie off the hot seat?

Yep, it's officially Bears/Packers weekend. I can honestly say it's like two teams and fan bases going in complete opposite directions. The Packers have won four straight games and are now 8-4 while the Bears are struggling at 5-7 and have only beaten the Browns and the Rams since early October.
The question going into this game - Not whether Aaron Rodgers should rock that mustache year round even though I think he should! - is whether Lovie Smith can save his job with a win this week against the hated rival.
My answer to that question is that I'm not so sure one way or another. But I will say this, I don't think Lovie should go anywhere anyway.
Yes this is the third straight year the team has not made the playoffs, but this is a year different than the last two. The offense seems to have a piece in place to build around in the form of Jay Cutler.
My take on the matter is this, a strong showing this Sunday on the Lakefront, regardless of win or lose, will help Lovie keep his job. I'm still sold that Ron Turner will be out as offensive coordinator and someone will be brought in to work with Jay. General Manager Jerry Angelo will make this a priority in the offseason, even without draft picks as he needs to get offensive line help and a No. 1 receiver threat.
You'll give Lovie a pass on the defense because when Urlacher went down, the team didn't have a player that could step into that role. The only thing missing is someone to play the strong safety spot that will allow Peanut Tillman to be his usual ball-hawking self.
But to this game. If you saw my picks yesterday (just scroll down if you came right to the homepage and didn't follow a direct link) I did pick the Bears and if they win it will be a close one. The Packers though, are playing much better ball and have the confidence going in their favor. If the Bears can get pressure on Aaron Rodgers (and his lack of 'stache) they will have a chance. They might need to get something big out of Devin Hester and Johnny Knox on special teams to turn field position and give Jay and Co. a short field.
The Packers defense does fly all over the field, however, and that presents a problem to this Bears offensive line that couldn't stop a pack of chihuahuas from attacking Jay.
That said, my pick is simple (DUH!) Bears win this one if they keep the scoring down, 17-14.



Alright, I don't do a lot with the NBA on these pages, but was reading some nonsense today. And NBA fans are just lame. Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady is on pace to start the All-Star game. OK, that's fine, but he hasn't played a single second this season. How is that possible? So lame.
Let's give a couple guys that need to plea their case a shot at the big game. Amar'e Stoudamaire put together this video.



The Cleveland Cavs aren't making a case for the All-Star game, but they are paying tribute to Michael Jackson. Thought this was pretty funny! LeBron and Shaq make this awesome!



Alright, time for the Nussie Hunter portion of today's broadcast. A little bit of an unknown, but I'm pretty sure you'll want to remember her name for later ;) Ha! This little redhead is making a name for red heads everywhere with her awesomeness. Her name is Tiffany Ryan. She's done some Playboy stuff, but we don't put that here. Umm, just look for yourself at these and THOSE!

The Brewers got their guy now look to build

While the snow and bitter cold was overtaking Milwaukee Tuesday night and Wednesday the Hot Stove was simmering hot in Indianapolis for the Milwaukee Brewers and General Manager Doug Melvin brought back what should be regarded as the biggest signing of the 2009 Winter Meetings in Indianaopilis.
That's right Randy Wolf signed with the Brewers to the tune of a three-year contract worth $29.75 million. Sure that sounds like it was a bit of an overpay, but just know Wolf wanted to stay in Los Angeles. He lives in LA and the Dodgers made no effort to sign him. So their loss is the Brewers gain and the team now has an extremely competent No. 2 behind Yovanni Gallardo.
I cannot begin to express how excited I am about this acquisition. I think if Wolf was on the team last year the Brewers would have made the playoffs and quite possibly could have made some noise if you ask me.
The run support in Milwaukee was one of the best in baseball last year and could have been a handful more wins that would have put the team in a better spot and could have made the difference in postseason races.
Add to that last year Wolf, who is 33, had one of his best years of his career last year with the Dodgers and could bring so much more behind Gallardo and with youngsters all around him (Parra and Narveson) that could be worked into greatness with Wolf and new pitching coach Rick Peterson.
Overall, I love the move. From what Melvin is telling the media and said at the end of last season, there is still one open spot in the rotation and he is going to try to fill it likely via trade at this point.

OK, now on to some football bits. There is a game tonight, so I made my NFL picks. Winners are in bold. I'll have my Bears preview tomorrow for you.

Steelers @ Browns
Saints @ Falcons
Packers @ Bears
Broncos @ Colts
Bills @ Chiefs
Jets @ Bucs
Dolphins @ Jaguars
Lions @ Ravens
Seahawks @ Texans
Bengals @ Vikings
Panthers @ Patriots
Rams @ Titans
Redskins @ Raiders
Chargers @ Cowboys
Eagles @ Giants
Cardinals (28) @ 49ers (21)

Enough sports for the day. The show that is sweeping the land is MTV's "Jersey Shore" and tonight is a new episode. As a primer, my Maxim Radio boys made this video. It's actually a year or so old, but just works and they used it in today's show. So good!



And yes it is damn cold here in Wisconsin. The Nussie Hunter wanted to give you something to warm you up. And didn't want to waste much time getting into it. So here you guys go... CARMEN ELECTRA!

A fan's take on GLCW's Blizzard Brawl 5

Let me run down this list for you. King Kong Bundy, Road Warrior Animal, Demolition's Axe and Smash, Armando Estrada, Ken Anderdson, "Road Dog" Jesse James, Bad Ass Billy Gunn, Al Snow, Mick Foley and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. (I know I didn't get everyone in there, just go with me for a second).
Sounds like a who's who of profressional wrestling's key players in the last 20 years. And, guess what? They were all in one place, the Waukesha County Expo Center Saturday, Dec. 5 for Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's "Blizzard Brawl 5."
I had the pleasure of catching a GLCW show back in August and it was a great show. So when my friend introduced me to some of the people involved with the organization, I knew I had to find a way to get back to see this event. And as fate would have it, my schedule cleared just in in time for me to make the event.
The place packed in quite nicely (I heard talks of over 1,500 people making it out which is awesome!) and the show started. I must say this is just my second independent wrestling show I've ever attended, I was once again amazed with the show.
This was the first time I've seen Dakota Darsow, son of Demolition's Barry Darsow, wrestle and I'd say he impressed. Looked very sharp in the ring and got a win.
It was good to see Headbanger Mosh still around and on top of his game, too.
I must say, there were a couple highlights of the night, though. Let's go in order.
First, like the top picture shows, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was in the house and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett made the day Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Day in the city. It was a very touching moment. And to see Bobby was great. You can check the ceremony on the GLCW site. I found his WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Pretty good collection of stuff from 2004.



I'd have to say the Ken "Kennedy" Anderson versus Armando Alejandro Estrada match was the most "hyped" match of the night against two guys that have left Vince McMahon's big machine. Here's the video of the two of them before the match. Pretty good stuff.






This match was dedicated to Eddie "Umaga" Fatu who passed Friday night. Estrada got his start in WWE as Umaga's "handler" and I must say it was great to see him and Ken pay tribute to Umaga. I feel the need to say some good words here. I am a sports writer and I can appreciate a great athlete when I see one. Umaga was that. When I watched WWE, I was not completely behind the character, but I knew he was one of the best in-ring performers the company had. It is sad to see another man down in the industry.
Was kind of shocked to hear that Estrada announced his retirement after the show. I was very impressed with his in-ring abilities (who knew he was ripped?). Great touch with the 10-bell salute at the start of the show and having Estrada there, I got to see the only tribute that mattered.

The final match of the night brought Mick Foley, Al Snow (with Head) and the New Age Outlaws to the ring for what started as a Triple Threat with Foley as the special enforcer. It then became a tag team match. That turned out pretty good.

My final take on the show was that it was very well done. I give a hat tip to Dave Herro for putting on the showand Perry the Mortgage Doctor for coming through with the tickets for me. Good work and can't wait to see another show!

And while this blog has a theme, I still get to do a Nussie Hunter of the day. TNA Women's champ ODB was at the show and while she was awesome, not really my style.
Figured I'd share the woman I feel is one of, if not THE hottest, woman in all of pro wrestling, Eve Torres. Yes, she is HAWT!

Steven Jackson and the Rams are next

This Sunday the 1-10 St. Louis Rams come to Soldier Field to take on the Bears and normally I would feel pretty confident that this would be an easy win. Well, given the way the Bears have been playing of late, I'm not exactly sure how this game will shake out.
The Bears defense is dinged up and it appears likely Lance Briggs will not be suiting up for this one with a knee injury. That means the defense is going to be essentially a "B" Team at most positions. Yeah, it's not looking pretty.
The way Steven Jackson runs the ball (brutally) I'm not too confident he won't just go of against this defense and tear the Bears apart on the newly installed Soldier Field turf.
If that happens, I might have to jump on the "Fire Lovie" bandwagon. The defense is his baby and that is something that needs to be worked on over these final five games.
And I know someone is coming up with the idea to lose out and better the draft position of the team. Well, that would be OK, but the team traded away its first round pick in the Jay Cutler deal and its second round pick for Gaines Adams earlier in the season. Yeah, totally not cool.
So, essentially, losing is not beneficial in any light right about now and winning is the only thing that can make this team much of anything.
First, it can save Lovie's job and second, it can get Jay Cutler the confidence he needs to be the quarterback us fans want him to be next year when Jerry Angelo gives him the weapons needed to be the great quarterback they thought he would be.
My prediction for this one: Bears 27, Rams 17. But that won't get done until late in the game.



Allen Iverson rejoined the 76ers yesterday and it was pretty emotional. I don't know about you, but when I see one of the sports stars I look up to or admire, it makes it pretty hard for even me to keep from getting a little misty eyed.
He is going back to the place where it all started and I'm saying the return back to Philly will be good for him as a place to finish his career on a positive note.
He is one of the best guards to play the game and for a guy under 6 feet tall it is just amazing that he is able to do what he can with the ball in his hands. I've always been amazed by him and hope to see him end his career on a positive note.



I'm not normally a shoe freak, but thought these shoes, shown on Maxim.com today were pretty interesting. No, I won't be buying them, but take a look at the others, not just the "Skywalkers." I'm pretty impressed with Adidas and their idea to work with Star Wars here. It's a great idea and I thought they pulled it off quote well. Take a look at the link.

Alright, a bit quick through the blog today, but I will not disappoint with the Nussie Hunter, I promise. Today I'm introducing the world to Gemma Lee Ferrall. She's an Australian model who is now in the US. She was recently in Curves Magazine and I must say the pictorial is amazing. Take a look at this AND her best side...