January 2025 Year In Review

 2026 will be here before you know it so what better time for a year in review. This is something I do every year and it's fun looking back at what has transpired the past 12 months. I used to do the full year in one extremely long report but I have found that people like a summary rather than a thesis. I will tell you what went down and I will do it one month at a time throughout the rest of this month. These events are not in chronological order but they did occur in the month I'm writing about in this case...

January

Jayden Daniels has a historic rookie season as QB of the Washington Commanders, he could've went legend had the Commanders defeated the Eagles and went to the Superbowl but he made Washington relevant again.

Khloe Kardashian launches a podcast with her brother in law Scott Disick. We don't need anymore podcast but if she wanted instant ratings she should've invited her ex-husband Lamar Odom as a guest? I'd pay to hear that...

Ohio State wins the first 12 team college football playoff. The Buckeyes dominated Notre Dame for most of the Championship game. Ohio having four 1000 yard performers on the team may have helped a little.

Jimmy Butler was trying to complain and pout his way out of Miami. "I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball" will go down in infamy. Dude, you get your joy every Tuesday when they hand you a game check.

Speaking of infamous...a woman was scammed for $800,000 when someone used AI to create images of Brad Pitt in the hospital. She apparently sent "Brad" money to help with medical expenses. 

Cooper Flagg was nearing the end of his incredible collegiate career with Duke averaging 25.4 point per game.

Last Christmas during the Beyonce Bowl, yes that was a real event, she announced that she would have a huge announcement on Jan 14...it never happened due to the wildfire situation that would break out.

Speaking of pop singers, Katy Perry decided to donate a portion of the sales of her new album '143' to the victims of the wildfires. Unfortunately, the album didn't sell all that well or have much interest as it is considered a flop.

Ichiro Suzuki and CC Sabathia are voted into the Hall of Fame, they would go on to be inducted later in the year. CC got 86% of the votes needed but Ichiro nearly went unanimous...one dork errr one voter didn't pick him as a first ballot hall of famer and that voter knows where they can go. 

Finally, NY Giants GM Joe Schoen creates a monster when he decides to pay Daniel Jones and trade Saquon Barkley to the Eagles. All Saquon did was rush for over 2000 yards averaging 180 rushing yards per game...he also lead the Eagles to the Superbowl against the Chiefs...more on that in the month of February.

'Fans egging my house crossed the line' says Philadelphia Eagles coach

 Thanksgiving just passed and I said how thankful I was for my wife and kids and my family's health and well being among other things. Christmas is fast approaching and I got a glimpse of my present early. I'm thankful for the eight games scheduled on Christmas day. Three NFL games and five NBA games, I'm just hopeful they're good games and not trainwrecks. Nothing is as it should be with a Thursday game in the NFL. Inevitably, some fourth string receiver is going to go off and wreak havoc on your fantasy lineup. It's like bizarro world on Thursday night football where good players suddenly are hit by kryptonite and start getting outplayed by bench players. In the NBA every game is a tossup, LeBron just got outplayed by Dillon Brooks...I give up trying to make sense of it.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo is going to be shopping for a pressure washer after the Eagles' Black Friday loss to the Chicago Bears. The Moorestown police say that fans vandalized Patullo's home with eggs and that there's video on social media and that the investigation is ongoing. 

My question for the police is are you sure it was fans and not the owners of the Eagles? I mean the Eagles are paying the most for their offense this year and that offense ranks in the bottom third of the league across the board. Bottom third in yards (24th), passing (23rd), rushing (22nd), and scoring (19th). Quite frankly, I'm surprised they're 19th in scoring, I was thinking dead last. This is the year of inconsistency in the NFL, unless you're a fan of the Broncos. Sean Payton doesn't win pretty but he gets the job done.

Patullo said, "When you talk about what happened, ultimately you want to be able to separate job from your family. That line was crossed. It was an unfortunate incident and that was the part that happened. Us as a family, we know we've got to stick together. We've had a great experience here in Philadelphia. It's a very special, unique place to work and I look forward to all the more games we have and finishing strong in the season."

It's nice that dude is remaining positive after a personal attack but these are the same fans that booed Santa Claus and cheered loudly as Michael Irving was severely injured. I remember visiting Philadelphia as a teenager and going to Franklin Mills Mall and being told I can't wear my Dolphins jacket inside because 'we don't need any drama'. In college I had a chart of fan tolerance which I should bring back and update...LA and Miami are still the most tolerant, in other words it's not big deal if you wear an opposing jersey. I would strongly advise against that at Raiders and Eagles games, Eagles fans are not above vandalizing their own coaches. 

 

Coach Kiffin blasted for leaving Ole Miss right before playoffs

When I say college football what immediately comes to mind? I think of leadership, brotherhood, competitiveness, heart, determination, basically I can see the team winning the championship and carrying the coach off the field in celebration. Ole Miss is an excellent team this year, they're 11-1 which means they're in the 12 team college football playoffs. Ole Miss is in, their former coach Lane Kiffin is not. Instead of preparing his guys for the playoffs he was inking his name on a $91 million dollar contract with LSU. 

There's a way to do things and a way not to do things. LeBron's infamous decision comes to mind when he had Cleveland and the nation wait until prime time to announce he was ripping their hearts out and heading to Miami, to this day I still can't believe that happened. Well, coach Kiffin's decision was even worse. It's so bad that it is unprecedented in the college football world. Sure, coaches leave schools all the time for larger contracts but this is the first time a coach pulls the rip cord on his team right before the playoffs.

That meeting was must see, they could've put it on pay per view. Can you see coach Kiffin walking up to his guys at Ole Miss like everyone shut up, I've got something to say...come over here gather around...alright men, it was fun while it lasted, I'm gone! And the guys like ha ha so funny coach where are you going? And coach Kiffin saying, 'To the bank!' Well, LSU and then the bank.

Dude is obviously a good coach I mean he got Ole Miss to 11-1 that's why LSU's paying him $91 million over seven years. But the athletic director at Ole Miss had to know this could happen. Coach Kiffin pulled this same stunt with Tennessee. Now that was a spectacle to behold. Dude left in the middle of the night and when the students found out they were burning mattresses around campus and I'm sure much worse.

I don't know if that's going to go down at Ole Miss, they seem to be taking it better than Tennessee did...so far, but how do you talk to these young men before each game preaching loyalty, all for one, no one is above the team? What does this message send to young impressionable minds? I guess coach Kiffin said at the end of the day gentleman it's all about C.R.E.A.M. Cash Rules Everything Around Me right coach?Didn't know the coach was a Wu-Tang fan.  

Kiffin said, "This was a very challenging, difficult day. We went through a lot last night with AD Keith Carter trying to figure out a way to make this playoff run work and be able to coach the team. And at the end of the day, that's his decision and I totally respect that. I understand that decision." Ole Miss's AD had made the decision to part ways ahead of the playoffs with coach Kiffin but make no mistake this is on the coach, dude could've signed after the season was over and led these young men possibly to a championship.

Coach Kiffin also said, "I just totally wish the team the best of luck, wish that I was coaching...I just hope they play really well and go win the national championship." Ole Miss promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the new head coach.

This is the second time dude has walked out on his players and it will probably happen again because he keeps being rewarded with a huge contract. I just wish these coaches were straight up with the players who they demand be accountable everyday. At the end of the day its not about loyalty, or respect, or love for the team...at the end of the day it's all about the benjamins.

NY Yankees owner considering lowering payroll?

 Happy Thanskgiving eve! I remember writing a whole column on CBSSports.com back when I used to write over there...about Thanksgiving dinner and the pros and cons and what my go to is, I'm a dessert guy. I perfected my holiday plate strategy when I was 12 which was the first year my mom allowed me to serve myself. A little turkey, ham, mac and cheese, yams, etc with half of the plate reserved for desserts. I got busted when my uncle says 'whatcha got there lots of goodies I see'...thanks unc yeah thanks for nothing.

Fast forward many years and now that I have my own family I've come to understand what the true meaning of Thanksgiving is. Namely being grateful for our family's health, well-being, etc. I'm grateful and blessed to have a beautiful wife who loves me. I'm grateful for my beautiful children who are growing up way too fast. Of course all the kids talk about is Christmas and I try to get them to slow down and be thankful and tell me what they're thankful for.

NY Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner also has a lot to be thankful for. Of course he does, dude inherited the Yankees and a fat checkbook. That being said, I'm willing to guess dude is tired of scratching a $300 million dollar check for the past 16 years just so the Yankees can continue to fall short of winning the World Series. Now I understand that you can't buy a World Series unless your the back to back champs the LA Dodgers who spent $415 million this season to win it all, but it's a gamble...the Toronto Blue Jays almost pulled off the upset before choking errrr I mean dropping the last two games at home.

 Steinbrenner was on a video call with reporters when asked about the payroll situation. "Would it be ideal if I went down [with payroll]? Of course. But does that mean its going to happen? Of course not. We want to field a team we know could win a championship - or we believe can win a championship."

What stood out to me the most in the press conference was Steinbrenner's stance on a salary cap in baseball saying he'd consider supporting it only if it's accompanied by a floor.

"Look, there are groups of fans out there in different areas, including my hometown here in Tampa, that - and I've addressed this before - come to spring training games thinking their team has little chance of winning a championship. Or at least a little chance of making the playoffs. And those fans would argue that's not good for baseball as a whole. And, you know, it's a valid argument. Whether it's true or not, it's a valid argument."

 I think this goes on in all professional leagues. You have half the teams that are true contenders for a championship and the other half that are just collecting checks errrr I mean playing the game but have no shot in hell of sniffing a championship. I like what Steinbrenner is saying about a floor...an amount each owner must spend that shows they give a damn about competing because a lot of owners are just content on going through the motions and I don't want to put a spotlight on any one team Colorado Rockies...my God, how do you lose 119 games as a professional club? And I don't want to hear about how homerun friendly Coors Field is because they're the home team...if anyone should have an advantage it should be the Rockies.

Don't get me started on the NBA where you have teams who just got their second win of the season. I would like to occasionally get through an entire game without having to turn it off because there's such a blowout happening. I'm starting to believe the Wizards players collect their paychecks wearing ski masks...it would make perfect sense because they're robbing their fans for charging money to witness that garbage. Well, I'll be having some warm apple pie with a side of ice cream tomorrow, so I'm at least thankful for that. 

Sports betting scandal rocks college basketball world

When it was discovered that a current NBA coach and player and a former player were involved in rigging games and betting on sports...allegedly, I knew it was just the tip of the iceberg. Now comes word from the NCAA that six college basketball players have been banned. 

The six players from New Orleans, Mississippi Valley State, and Arizona State manipulated games or shared information with known bettors. Cedquavious Hunter, Dyquavion Short, and Jamond Vincent who played for New Orleans, manipulated their performance in seven games. Donovan Sanders and Alvin Stredic from Mississippi Valley State were offered money to throw a game and former Arizona State player BJ Freeman shared information with a former teammate who was betting on Freeman's performance on a daily fantasy site according to reports.

Say it with me...Uh Oh! Man this is so bad for the sports world and it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. ESPN just got rid of ESPN BET because it was beginning to look bad errrr I mean they failed to capture a significant share of the sports betting market. I have written less than twenty blogs here and the majority of them are about gambling...specifically sports betting and athletes being accused of rigging games and gambling.

So far I've written about Gilbert Arenas who got busted for running an illegal Israeli poker game out of his mansion.

Trevor Ariza blowing through over $115 million in career earnings...not sure if that was sports betting or just bad investments.

Marcus Morris who ran out on a $250,000 casino marker errrrr I mean he was going to pay it later according to his agent.

The latest NBA gambling scandal I mentioned above involving Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones.

Almost forgot Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter who decided to use Ohtani's bank account to settle his illegal gambling debts. People are still skeptical about this one like sure it was his interpreter...reminds me of when former Minnesota Vikings legend Chris Carter talked about having a "fall guy" in your crew to take the charges if you ever had a run in with police.

Now college basketball is dragged back into illegal gambling. College basketball is the easiest sport to rig which is probably why they can't keep their hands clean. Well, we'll see if more names or teams are announced in this latest black eye for the sports world. NCAA Commissioner Jim Phillips' hair is getting grayer by the second. Still think DraftKings and Fanduel was a good partnership NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell? How about you NBA Commissioner Adam Silver?

 By the way, nothing against DraftKings or Fanduel, but you can't partner with gambling sites and be legit...It's one or the other. In this case not all advertising money is good money, just look at what has played out the last few months. 

NFL's Ravens fined for misleading injury report

 This World Series is so good it's causing problems in Casa Delon. My lovely wife Rebecca and I like to watch at least one program together during dinner. Of course we have our own personal favorite shows but it's important to have a similar interest in entertainment, especially if you're both busy all day. My wife likes reality tv...a lot. Right now her go to is MTV's The Challenge I don't know what season because I don't care, there's only so much bad acting and pretending errrr I mean competition I can take. Tulsa King, now that's different. As I mentioned in the last blog, we're in the middle of watching season three. Normally, we'll watch a couple of episodes but I had to check on the World Series. Such a fantastic game and it was refreshing to see that after blowing the last two games at home the Dodgers didn't roll over but fought hard and survived to force a game 7 which should be an instant classic.

My last blog was also about gambling in sports, in particular the NBA. I feel all sports leagues should randomly be investigated because there's just way too much money floating around and crossing the line between legal and illegal gambling is something no sport can afford. This is what can happen when you partner up with betting sites. One of the most hilarious things I watched the other day was some dude on one of ESPN's sports shows talking about honesty in sports gambling. 

This is incredibly bad timing for the NFL. It was only a matter of time before one of the league's teams or players dragged them into the gambling discussion. Now it should be noted that what the Baltimore Ravens did is not directly tied to any gambling investigation...not yet. It certainly could be used to influence the Las Vegas line though.

 The Baltimore Ravens were fined $100,000 for violating the injury report. QB Lamar Jackson is the MVP of the Ravens each and every game as we have all come to see how the team struggles to score points since his injury early this season. So whether or not Jackson plays has a significant impact on the teams betting lines. 

The Ravens incorrectly listed Jackson as a full participant in the October 24th practice. He was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday earlier in the week but upgraded to full participant on Friday which was the last full practice of the week. Baltimore then listed Jackson as limited before ultimately ruling him out for the next game. In other words, by upgrading him they mislead opponents and Vegas by suggesting the 2 time NFL MVP would be in a position to play that week.

The Ravens avoided losing a draft pick because the league determined the violation was the result of negligence and not an attempt to gain a competitive advantage. Given everything going on with the NBA I'd say the Ravens got off light.

The Ravens did release a statement:

"It is critical that the Baltimore Ravens always operate with integrity and in full accordance with NFL guidelines. We clearly made an error regarding player injury reporting and cooperated transparently with the league's investigation. We accept the decision by the NFL that we violated policy and have taken steps to ensure that we will be compliant moving forward." The Ravens will not appeal the fine.

Jackson is currently a full participant and once again the starting QB as the Ravens just defeated the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. Then again, the Dolphins are so bad right now the Ravens could've started a cab driver and gotten a win. The NBA is a mess and the NFL should be on egg shells and they'll be scrutinized even more for things like ref gate, penalty gate, Andy Reid chest bumping Travis Kelce, there's a chance of seeing all three at Swift gate...I hear Taylor Swift is supposed to be there which means bet on the Bills. Not saying she's a jinx but...ok yes I am... KC vs Buffalo tomorrow...now that's must see tv. 

Gambling scandal rocks the NBA and sports world

 The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays are in the middle of an epic World Series that's currently tied two games a piece as Shohei Otani got lit up last night. He is human, I was beginning to think dude was an alien...he's that good of a player. The new NBA season is about a week old and with a new season comes new talent, LeBron returning for what seems like his 30th season, players stepping up like Austin Reaves who just dropped 51 points for the Lakers, and a gambling scandal so big it can bring down the league.

I'm not the guy who can't wait to yell I told you so but in this case I'll make an exception. I knew it was only a matter of time. For years, gambling's been that taboo category sports commissioners didn't want to discuss. They would say things like, 'We're aware of sports betting, we can't focus on that, all we can do is play our game.' A few years ago that all changed and now the major sports leagues are all in bed with gambling.

You cannot watch a game or a pre-game show or a post-game show or Tulsa King season 3 which my wife and I are in the middle of binge watching...without seeing a DraftKings or Fanduel, or ESPN bet or one of what seems like endless companies telling you how easy it is and how much free money they're willing to "give" you if you're willing to get down. Place your wager with us and we'll give you $200 in free bets.

My mother used to tell me that nothing in life is free. At the end of the day, free will cost you something. The college students in the US have a gambling addiction which is double the rate of the general adult population. Double! Gambling has never been so prevalent, so easy to access. Anytime of day, if you have a credit or debit card, you can get down on your favorite teams or players...literally down as in going into debt.

Just when you think it can't get any worse, of course it can. The FBI announced last week that a current NBA player, a former NBA player and a current NBA head coach were involved in several gambling investigations.

Portland Trailblazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former player Damon Jones are all facing criminal charges related to illegal gambling on NBA games and being involved in rigged poker games. This is all connected to the investigation that got former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned for life from the NBA, and there are more than 30 co-defendants accused in the investigation.

Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave from their teams. Rozier's attorney issued a statement saying his client is "not a gambler." The investigation has been going on for years. One of the most egregious acts happened in March 2023 in a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. The NBA had been alerted to unusual betting being placed on Terry Rozier's under prop bets. This is the game where Rozier faked being injured errr I mean, took himself out of the game after 9 minutes, meaning all his under prop bets would pay off.

Rozier's attorney Jim Trusty said the NBA interviewed Rozier twice. "They took his phone, downloaded everything, and, at the end of the day, they said there's nothing to see here and cleared him." 

Well, the FBI also interviewed him, and they did think there was something to see. I mean this is so bad for the NBA. The league is already dealing with LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer paying Kahwi Leonard $28 million under the table to avoid the salary cap errrr I mean, the tree planting service did right Steve? Ballmer says he got conned. You have the chosen one's son Bronny James proving just how much he belongs in the NBA with some pretty impressive stats. Two games in zero points! 

Then if you want to watch an NBA game if it's not on ESPN or NBA good luck! Trying to find certain games is like trying to find Carmen Sandiego. What a mess, I wonder how NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is going to lie errr weasel his way out of this one. The ratings are cratering and although it's not as bad as the WNBA, the NBA will be there in no time if nothing changes. I like Rozier's attorney going with the 'he's not a gambler' defense. So why did a couple of dudes show up to Rozier's house to count the winnings after dude took himself out of a game, allegedly! This is bigger than the NBA, I believe other sports leagues should be investigated as well because yes these leagues have talented players but an integrity with the audience that everything is legit. Once you lose integrity you're no longer an event but as real as a reality tv drama.

Two NFL Coaches Nearly Get Into Fight after game

 There is one word to describe how busy I have been lately...ridiculous! Juggling family life with my professional life hasn't been easy but it must be done. As a result I have little to no time for my hobbies including this blog. Of course I have sometime at the end of the night but I like to research and put some effort into my blogs, I'll never just throw something together just to post. One more thing, I'm feeling good about myself because I did the impossible...booked a family vacation to PR the week of Thanksgiving! My family's all over the country and the ones that are local don't like to cook so we're not exactly missing much.

Can you believe we're four weeks into the NFL season? It goes quickly doesn't it. Well, unless you're the Baltimore Ravens. Four weeks in, three losses...I thought these guys were Superbowl contenders. So much for a classic against Patrick Mahomes and KC, the Ravens made the Chiefs look like the back to back champions they were. The blowout was so bad that Lamar Jackson faked an injury errr I mean got hurt and had to leave the game. Granted, Kansas City is a tough place to play but I think the reason the Ravens keep losing is the lack of defense, they're ranked dead last! 

Speaking of defense, 49ers defensive coach Robert Saleh thought the Jacksonville Jaguars read his defense a little too good. Saleh accused Jaguars coach Liam Coen of stealing signals on the sidelines. Saleh made the statement earlier in the week leading up to his team's matchup with the Jaguars. After the game Coen bypassed the traditional handshake and screamed at Saleh to "Keep my name out of your mouth!"   

Actually, the full exchange was more like:

Coen: "Keep my name out of your mouth! Keep my name out of your mouth! Keep my name out of your f--king mouth!  

Saleh: I was trying to compliment your ass. I will f--- your world up. You don't want to f--- with me! I will f--ing end your f--king life!

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan downplayed the exchange saying, "I didn't see what happened, so I'm not sure. I don't think he should be that sensitive about it. But it is what it is. Not too worried about it."

Not worried about it? Your defensive coordinator just threatened to end another man's life on camera, maybe you should worry.  Saleh was all over the place if you listen to his full statement from earlier this week. And coach Coen, who knew he was such a hot head? So the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the worst road teams in the league, travel to San Francisco, who were the NFC Champions not too long ago, and defeat them at home...yeah now that I think about it I'm with coach Saleh...stop stealing signals Jaguars...allegedly! I wonder how many losers lost their mortgage payments in Vegas on that "sure thing"...It's like I tell my friends, no such thing as a sure thing in sports.

KC Chiefs open new season with loss to the Chargers

 

I'm back just in time for football and with the return of the NFL also comes the return of kids going back to school, flu season, miserable weather, bad drivers, and on and on. Football almost makes all of that more tolerable...almost. My kids had a lot of fun this summer and at the end of the day that's what's important. However, now that the NFL has returned I get to go back to that good old northeastern tradition of being a homebody. I'll be in this office chair or on the couch watching every game or at least that's my goal. 

I know that the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles opened the new season on Thursday night, but I want to talk about the Chiefs first. Granted, the game was on a neutral field in Brazil but what the hell happened to the Chiefs? I don't want to take anything away from the Los Angeles Chargers shocking the world, but it was almost a role reversal in a way. Last season, it was the Chargers who couldn't close out a game to save their lives. Every time they would go into the fourth quarter with a lead they would somehow snatch defeat from the hands of victory. Last night they were clutch!

I can hear Chiefs fans already...It's one game! The season just started, there's nothing to worry about...um yes there is. The Chiefs won 15 games last season! Look up the sporting pages from last year regarding the Chiefs. It doesn't say, 15 Wins, One of the best teams ever...no it's more like, how the hell do the Chiefs keep winning? Surely it took skill, a lot of luck, and help from the refs errrr I mean Andy Reid being strategic. As funny as this sounds, they were the worst 15 win team in history. Statistically, no other team had ever had so many unusual wins in the way this team did. The three teams with similar stat lines on offense all had losing records but for KC the ball always seemed to land on the winning side of the game.

This is why ref gate kept being brought up. It's because fans are becoming smarter and with the advent of fantasy football, fans are becoming even more attentive to the little things because now they have money at stake. If a player takes a play or two off for a reason that isn't an injury or a penalty, fans will notice.

I understand that two minutes into the game the Chiefs lost Xavier Worthy. Dude is probably their fastest player so that is going to mess the chemistry up with the offense. However, it wasn't the Chargers who took him out, it was his own teammate Travis Kelce. The two ran into each other on the third snap of the season...soon afterwards, Worthy was seen walking into the tunnel with a towel over his head and he didn't return for the rest of the game. 

I know the game was in Brazil and most of the ads I watched were in either Spanish or Portuguese but was the playbook in another language as well? The Chiefs used to be the most high powered offense in the league but since late last season I'm seeing more field goals and games decided by one possession. Sometimes it's just one game and sometimes it isn't. 

As for the Cowboys vs the Eagles...at least the Cowboys kept the game within four touchdowns this time. The Cowboys even had a 17-14 lead but the more things change the more they stay the same right Jerry. My wife is a Cowboys fan and I don't know why she does it to herself. It must feel like dying at the end of each regular season. I have a soft spot for the Miami Dolphins because my sweet grandmother bought me a Dolphins winter coat when I was a kid because she liked the colors so it sort of stuck. That being said, I have no expectations for the Dolphins, when Tua gets hurt our season is over. Still, when my wife says why do you watch the Cowboys it's because I'll never get tired of Jerry Jones fourth quarter meltdown in the luxury box. I wish they would keep Jerry in a little picture in picture box during the game.

NHL mascot nearly attacked by bear during video shoot

 Sorry guys I've been busy lately with family stuff. It's summertime and the kids are off from school so lots of road trips and grandma visits and going to the movies, you know, anything to divert them from their gadgets for awhile. We're planning a trip to Niagara Falls soon that should be fun.

I haven't written about hockey on this blog yet. The last time I attended a hockey game I was in a luxury suite at a Sabres game. I hadn't met my wife yet, so I was leading a different lifestyle back then. 

Pretty much spending all my money on sporting events. I did see Kobe play and I saw LeBron actually play, LeBron was with Cleveland and both games were in Toronto. Ironically, when I went to see the Cavaliers in Cleveland,  LeBron didn't play.

 He had an injury and that's the chance you take going to a game. At least he was really hurt and not out for rest like Chris Paul did to me...I was so furious, isn't that what the off season is for? Michael Jordan played with the flu just saying.

Back to the NHL...if I'm writing about hockey in the off season then something amazing or unbelievable happened and it's both.

Buoy, the blue haired troll mascot of the Seattle Kracken and forward John Hayden were in Alaska on a video shoot. They were knee deep in shallow water fly-fishing when a brown bear appeared and began approaching them. 

The bear actually charged towards the mascot before turning back around as the film crew waded out of the water on the opposite shore. Bears frequent the river for salmon. 

Kracken Partnership Marketing Director Melissa O'Brochta said, "Bears are everywhere at Brooks Falls and like this is their territory. They're also super used to seeing humans. So I wasn't scared."

Look, I can understand the team doing a promotional video in Alaska, the scenery up there is truly breathtaking, but don't you have a lookout or a guide with tranquilizers just in case a bear shows up? This is a professional video shoot where's the security?

I have a couple of questions for the Marketing Director. If "bears are everywhere and it's their territory", what are you doing there? This isn't a lazy weekend on the Bayou.

I like when she says the bears are 'used to seeing humans' and that she 'wasn't scared.' So my followup question would be, do you have a death wish?

Hey Melissa, why would you bring your crew into bear territory? Luckily no one got hurt or killed. Despite the bears being used to seeing humans, I would be terrified. Do you know why? Because bears are gonna bear. Lucky for you guys this bear was just protecting his food source or he would've kept coming.

World famous DJ Steve Aoki joins unfortunate list

 There must be something in the water this summer. This is usually the slow period during sports. Sure we have baseball but the NBA, NFL, and NHL are in their off seasons. In previous years things would get so quiet reporters resorted to writing about venue conditions and the weather factor. 

Not this year, in fact there hasn't been a slow news day in months. In the past week we've had an athlete complaining about blowing through over $100 million in career earnings. 

Another athlete getting arrested for not paying his casino debts. By the way, a quick update on that case, turns out dude had the money but he just thought he would pay when he was good and ready, how'd that turn out?

Still another athlete just had his home raided for illegal gambling. Allegedly, a neighbor brought that operation down. I guess seeing a valet and armed guards and young women serving drinks and giving massages all in a residential house would stand out a little. 

Despite Olympic gold medalist Sha'Carri Richardson beating down her boyfriend in an airport...allegedly, I'm going to briefly discuss celebrity parents and what the hell happens when it's time to name their kids.

DJ Steve Aoki is not only a new dad, congrats, but the latest celebrity to have a complete meltdown when it comes to naming his son. Rocky77...that's the kid's name and while it would make a good personalized license plate, it's stupid to call a kid that. 

Hey look, I know that my name is unusual, my mom got it from a soap opera is what I understand, at least there's no number in my first name.

Gwyneth Paltrow naming her daughter Apple thinks Rocky77 is a stupid name. 

Cardi B named her daughter Kulture, it's misspelled but at least she's not named after an ethnicity like Mariah Carey's kid Moroccan. 

Elon Musk's kids take the cake as they all sound like software code. I get it it's all about creativity and celebrities are larger than life, but these are human beings at the end of the day not inordinate objects. 

Next time mix in a book of baby names like everyone else does and stop naming your kids after fruit.

Oscar De La Hoya angry at UFC/WWE parent group

 This blog is still brand new, I've been writing less than a month and I received my first feedback! The first one I read was negative but it still means someone's reading my thoughts which is pretty cool. In a way, it's a compliment. Yes, the first email was not about a specific blog but my lack of a new one yesterday. 

"No blog today, giving up already?" - Sincerely,  Anonymous...

While my aim is to write everyday, I have a pretty demanding schedule, and when you have kids it becomes even more demanding. Still, I appreciate positive feedback and I consider that email positive. 

The NBA has been the gift that keeps on giving hasn't it? But they've been overshadowed by the boxing world recently.  

Boxing superstar Oscar De La Hoya is very angry and he's been all over social media and as we all know, that's a bad combination. 

De La Hoya is furious with Dana White and TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of the UFC and WWE.

"So it was reported last week that the TKO Group is looking to amend the Muhammad Ali act and the writing is on the wall. Fighters beware!" De La Hoya made the comments on the fight hub tv YouTube channel. 

He also goes on to call Dana White a 'douche bag' and a 'scumbag.' De La Hoya feels that TKO would use "unethical business practices" and that they would create a monopoly in boxing.

TKO Group wants to create a unified boxing organization similar to UFC. De La Hoya also mentions his fear that Dana White will use his connection to President Trump to achieve his goals. White is the UFC president.

TKO says they'll hold their own events, have their own rankings, and awards, while De La Hoya wants to protect fighter's rights and also protect the integrity of the sport.

The gloves are certainly off pun intended. I understand Oscar's passion for a sport that has been so good to him, but what do you mean you don't want boxing to become a monopoly? Wait a minute Oscar, just hold the hell up. It's already monopolized. There's a few guys at the top that pull the strings and if they don't get their cut the public doesn't get the contest we want. 

Sure there's some new promotions, but largely it's the same old system in boxing. Boxers do have more rights today which is a positive, and the TKO Group wants to takeover the world don't they?

After they get their foot in the door with boxing, maybe the Olympics are next...I actually want to see a more organized boxing competition.  Right now we have one or two fights a year that interest me if I'm lucky, and the super-fights I've given up on, and no I don't want your Mike Tyson v Jake Paul emails. I miss super-fights, not cash grabs or exhibitions...just call them what they really are...train wrecks. 

Former NBA star arrested for illegal poker game

 Basketball is on fire lately and for all the wrong reasons. I was recently asked if I will ever write about the WNBA and the truth is all sports are fair game. As long as there's an interesting topic I think people that view my blog would want to know and read about. 

In the WNBA, one of the players lost some hair during a game...ok, she lost a lot of hair, her weave extentions fell out. While that can be unfortunate and embarrassing, the more embarrassing thing would be to throw a fan out for laughing at the incident. 

Hey WNBA, if you want to consider yourselves the big league of women's professional basketball then you can't do junior varsity level things. You do know a fan is someone who pays to see your product right? From the looks of things you guys need all the fans you can get, stop throwing them out over nonsense. 

Over in the men's league a former player is making headlines and while he's not bouncing checks like Marcus Morris, he did operate an illegal high stakes poker game from his house...allegedly. 

Gilbert Arenas, host of the popular podcast Gil's Arena, might be taking a hiatus after an illegal high stakes poker game was raided at his mansion. 

According to the indictment, four other men were also arrested accused of actually running the poker games. In addition, they're also charged with collecting a house fee for the game, 

Hiring women who served drinks and gave massages, and gave companionship to the players. Chefs, valet, and armed guards were also hired for the games. One of the four men, Yevgeni Gershman, is a suspected organized crime figure from Israel. 

Arenas did issue a statement on his X account, "I'm back on the streets. This ain't got shyt to do with me. Just rented the house wasn't a part."

This is like an episode of the Sopranos except Tony was using a motel not his own mansion. When I hear illegal poker game I think of the movie Rounders, you know a bunch of European guys eating Oreos, breaking bones and watching soccer. Instead of Matt Damon there's Gilbert Arenas in the staring role...allegedly. 

So let me get this straight, they had women serving drinks, giving massages, and "companionship" to the players? What the hell does that even mean? Nevermind, I don't want to know.

When Arenas made his statement he was running down the steps of what looks like a detention center saying, "They can't hold me."

Dude, you do know that's up to the D.A. right? You're last name is on the gaming tables what do you mean your not involved? These guys had all the elements even armed guards, the only thing missing were the neon signs. The NBA is two for two this week.

Former Knicks forward arrested after owing casinos $250,000

 I just did a blog about NBA players and their struggles with finances after they're done playing. How 7 out of 10 NBA players go broke within five years of retiring. 

I also wrote about how this can be attributed to a number of factors like living beyond your means...just because you're a millionaire doesn't mean you should be throwing around cash like Jeff Bezos.

Bad investments are another attribute, bad decisions like casinos could also get you into a lot of trouble if you have a gambling addiction. I hate to lose money but I also love to win money. The last time my wife and I were at Mohegan Sun in CT, I won $600 on the first machine I played, then cashed out and walked around and watched her play. I did this despite the dude next to me yelling 'let it ride, the machine's warming up'...uh no I think I'll take option A and walk out ahead thanks.

Former Knicks forward Marcus Morris also came out ahead of the casino to the tune of $250,000. Now that is a nice pay day, unless you wrote a check to play some high roller games and the check bounces...uh oh!

See, if you gamble big and win, no big deal just pay the marker out of your winnings but if or should I say when you lose now you have a $250,000 balance. Casinos typically offer you time to pay the balance, they're not going to bash your hands with a hammer like the old days but they expect you to pay them back not run and hide allegedly. 

Morris' agent Yony Noy tried to defend him, "Just so everyone understands this is zero fraud here or whatever crap outlets have said regarding fake checks or whatever the hell. This is due to an outstanding marker with a casino.  Apparently, if you have over $1200 they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Absolute insanity!"

This guy is all over the place isn't he? First of all there isn't 'zero fraud' there's $250,000 worth. Secondly, I love how he's blaming 'crap outlets' for his boy bouncing checks. 

Under Nevada law, markers that aren't repaid can be treated as Class D felonies which can result in a 1 to 4 year prison sentence. 

The Knicks waived Morris so he doesn't have a team right now he's a free agent. Morris did earn millions of dollars throughout his NBA career but like I said earlier, that means nothing when a lot of these guys are so terrible with money. Gambling at that level and bouncing checks...that's absolute insanity.

Shooting at NFL headquarters leaves 4 dead

 I will start with the four people who went to work and lost their lives. According to reports, the number of the dead can increase because others were wounded. This tragedy happened about 6:30 pm eastern and the victim's names have yet to be released. 

Since 9/11 where 3000 people were killed and subsequently many more in the months that followed from asbestos and other factors, New Yorkers feel a pit in their stomachs every time something so violent happens. Is this an act of terrorism? 

While a mass shooting certainly can be considered domestic terrorism, the shooter left a three page letter explaining his actions. Shane Tamura was a former football player who claimed he suffered from chronic trauma encephalopathy or CTE.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, "One of our employees was seriously injured in the attack. He is currently in the hospital in stable condition. Every one of you is a valued member of the NFL family, we will get through this together. "

Goodell released the statement in a memo in which he also talked about having an increased security presence in the days and weeks to come. 

Let me be clear, there's no excuse for what the shooter did. This is a sad reminder of how dangerous our world has become. Instead of seeking solutions for your own problems you choose to take your own life, but you want to bring as many innocent victims as you can with you. I also want to be clear when I say, it's tragic, senseless, and domestic terrorism.

NBA player says he's broke after earning $116 million

 In each and every one of the blogs I post I offer my opinion about whatever topic I happened to write about that particular day. I also make sure to be as truthful as possible. These things I write about aren't made up, they're very real and based on actual events. Obviously, I research before I began offering my opinions. The research I discovered for my latest report shocked me because I honestly had no idea things were this bad in the NBA.

As a spectator all we hear and see in the news is how much money these guys are making in these contracts. Hundreds of millions of dollars, eventually, players will be making $100 million per year! The league minimum for this upcoming season is almost $1.3 million. Only Major League Baseball pays their players more and both the MLB and the NBA have guaranteed contracts and an excellent player's union. 

To their credit, the NBA does offer financial literacy programs to their players. The Players Association even teamed up with Personal Capital to provide players with retirement planners, and investment checkups, and even a cash flow analyzer.

Unfortunately, not all players are utilizing these services. According to reports, 60% of NBA players go broke within five years of retiring. Other reports suggest the actual number is closer to 65% - 80%! So on average, 7 out of 10 players are broke within 5 years. That is incredibly irresponsible and sad.

The latest victim is former NBA small forward Trevor Ariza. Ariza won the 2009 NBA Championship with the Lakers. During his 18 seasons he's earned more than $116 million. This is all coming out because he just got a divorce from Bree Anderson and he's trying to lower his $14,000 per month child support to her. He also pays another $10,000 per month for other child support payments.

Since Ariza retired, he's been unemployed with no monthly income. This is despite $37,000 in reported monthly expenses. He is probably accustomed to a certain lifestyle now as are his children. Dude, the expenses don't stop they just keep coming and to have no monthly income is insane. Didn't anyone ever tell this guy to never live off the principle, you're supposed to live off the interest, of course pay tax on it first.

Ariza said the situation changed after he became the primary caregiver of his son Tristan with Bree Anderson. "I've taken full responsibility-meals, clothes, school, everything. Bree rarely picks him up or shows up on her days."

Ariza also said that in the divorce Bree received a luxury car, real estate, and half of his retirement accounts. "I've been exploring deals, trying everything to create income. Nothing stable has come through. Things changed since we finalized this."

Exploring deals? Trying to generate income? Dude might want to mix a financial planner in with his boys. He should've put the money in Government Bonds and securities. It won't grow as fast but it's not as risky as the stock market. Here's an idea, take whatever money you have left and put it into a CD ladder. That's what I would do. Have some mature in 1 year, some in 2 years, some in 3 years, etc. The interest should take care of you the rest of your life as long as you pay tax on it each year...that's the catch. 

Ariza hasn't paid taxes since 2022 so my advice would be to try to negotiate down your tax burden. It doesn't go away you can ask Nicholas Cage and Wesley Snipes. A lot of people were suggesting the stock market but you really have to know what you're doing because it's like a magic show...your money's here and now it isn't. You can make a lot and lose a lot which is why shows like American Greed exist. No word yet on if the court will revise the child support but they probably will since the order is based off of current income and assets.

MMA fighter has full rage fit on Southwest plane

 I try to blog once a day at least but sometimes I get so busy in my family life that some days it's just not going to happen. Yesterday was one of those days, my family was invited to a really nice event out in the country and the setup was awesome. Bouncy houses, petting zoo, fossil dig, great food and ice cream, and the best part, my kids had a great time. 

Someone who having the opposite of a great time is the MMA world's Aaron 'Tex' Johnson. I have a relative that believes when someone is having a great day there's someone else having a miserable day. There are so many people on Earth that it has to be true.

From eyewitness statements and there's actual video from some passengers; this all started over baggage is what they're saying. It is believed that a bag Johnson was trying to put in an overhead compartment was deemed too large and that he would have to check the bag at an additional fee. That was all it took to launch 'Tex' into cage mode. Dude was looking to throw with the flight attendants, now gratefully, from the video I saw, he didn't put his hands on any of the attendants. It should also be noted that he hasn't been accused of physical violence either. 

Everything else was on the table though, belligerent, screaming, cursing, acting like my four-year-old during a tantrum, in other words a full meltdown. One of the worst things about this is that it happened on Southwest. I've always had a great experience with them and their service. United was a little better only because they bumped me up to first class which was sweet. Although I flew solo on United, never with the family so that's a completely different experience.

This all went down at LaGuardia airport in New York City, one of the busiest in the world. Obviously, he was thrown off the plane which I'm sure was easier said than done, but not before he shouted more expletives and ended his tirade with, "Bulls***! I'm getting treated like a Black person right now!"

 Are you freaking kidding me 'Tex'? So, acting like a toddler because you can't carry on your bags isn't enough, you have to go racist too? The Port Authority police were not treating you "like a Black person", they were treating you like a moron that had one too many drinks...allegedly.

'Tex' was strapped to a gurney and taken to a local hospital for "evaluation." Then he was issued a summons for disorderly conduct. A Southwest spokesperson said that Johnson was banned from future flights due to his unruly behavior. Hope that was worth it.

Mexico soccer player fined for sexist remarks

 Well, it is certainly not a slow news day. There are so many interesting things happening in and around the world of sports. I see that Aaron Rodgers started the new football season right where he left off. No, he's not with the NY Jets anymore, that ship has finally sunk. He's the new starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers and he immediately threw his first completion...to the wrong team. Rodgers did take the interception in stride saying, "I got it out of the way."

Outside the sports world the Tallahassee police are in the news for the arrest of a childhood legend. Chuck E. Cheese was arrested and placed in handcuffs. I saw the video which is incredible. Talk about a party those children will never forget. I could see if Chuck was trying to get away, but he just looked confused like all the six-year-olds around him. I understand the police have a very tough job, but aren't they supposed to use some kind of discretion. Oh, the video just gets worse and worse, they take off Chuck's head and slap handcuffs on him. 41-year-old Jermell Jones has been identified as the person wearing the costume. I'm guessing Santa should probably avoid the Tallahassee area because it's obvious the police won't give a damn about who you purport to be.

In the soccer world we have a player that's putting his foot in his mouth, repeatedly. Mexican Football Federation player Javier Hernandez was forced to apologize for the backlash he caused with his online statements. The Chivas striker has some pretty old school ideas when it comes to women.

One of his statements, "Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive. Don't be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man."

Last week in another post on Instagram he wrote, "You want a man to provide, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression...interesting."

Hernandez used to have a low profile on social media until he began working with life coach Diego Dreyfus. Some speculate that this new persona is because of Dreyfus. 

After a fine from FMF and a criticism from the Mexican President, Hernandez apologized. "Thank you sincerely to everyone that has supported me, to whom with respect, have shared their perspectives with me and pushed me to be a better person. I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent words have caused; It was never my intention to reduce, hurt, or divide."

Hernandez also stated, "As a father, a man, and a member of this community, my priority is to act with respect, humility, and responsibility. I'm listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially with such sensitive topics."

That doesn't sound like a lawyer helped him with that statement, it sounds like his lawyer wrote the statement...allegedly. By the way he's right to apologize, he's trying to get in front of it before it runs him over...too late, oh so close.

The internet is written in ink; there is no delete button. How many athletes have to get burned before they realize once you hit send it's out there forever, someone following you is going to screenshot you being a moron. At least he's not trying to deny it which is the usual approach. 

What we should be asking him besides the apology is if he still feels like women should allow themselves to be led by a man? Is it 1925 or 2025? Dude, it's the woman's choice, you have no say how she decides to live her life. Now if some women desire to be led in their relationship that's still their choice. You can't go generalizing and putting all women in a box that's where you get into no man's land. When the Mexican President, who is a woman, starts chiming in, you may want to back away from the keyboard and maybe stop rolling with your boy Dreyfus if he's feeding you this garbage...allegedly.

Shohei Ohtani's 5th homerun in 5 games ties Dodgers Record

 The heat dome has arrived where I live. As of 8:00 am this morning it already feels like 80 degrees and by mid-afternoon we should hit triple digits. Take all the necessary precautions, you know, drink plenty of water, take plenty of breaks, and if you work outside call in...seriously, it's going to be that hot. No job is worth dying over. You know the famous saying, you can get another job, you can't get another you.

Enough about the weather, each day in the news I read articles, or I watch a sports report on tv and I say, 'oh that's interesting'. Today, I need to talk about something extraordinary that's happening in the NL West. In my last blog I talked about the freak of nature that is Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani. I joked about him not being human because what he's currently doing is nothing short of amazing.

Ohtani hit his 5th homerun in five games this time against the Minnesota Twins helping his team win the game 4-3. While five homeruns is incredible, it happened last year when Aaron Judge accomplished the same feat with the New York Yankees. 

What makes Ohtani's accomplishment so amazing is that dude is a pitcher. He's amazing at offense and defense which is rare today right NBA? I've never seen so many 140 point games in a season but back to baseball, pitchers aren't typically expected to do much hitting. The manager usually tells them to go up there, take your three swings and sit down. If you want to help the team, bunt! Just don't destroy your shoulder or pitching arm.

In the National League, pitchers were required to bat each game they started but that changed in 2022. Now the teams can use a designated hitter just like the American League does. That's what makes Ohtani's feat so amazing...dude is better than most designated hitters! The average pitcher was like Bartolo Colon, excellent pitcher but dude has a grand total of 1 homerun his entire career. He was just supposed to go up, take his swings and get ready for the next inning. Instead, he created a viral moment by mashing one against the San Diego Padres. Viral because it isn't expected.

Remember Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox? He was a savant at hitting homeruns like dude didn't look like he was even trying. It was a gift and today Juan Soto reminds me of Manny's style. Of course, Soto stabbed the Yankees in the back, but I digress.

There are better pitchers than Bartolo Colon but Colon had a decent career, he won a Cy Young award and had a 21-win season. There are better pitchers than Shohei Ohtani but before he got injured dude was pitching like Roger Clemens. 

The record is eight straight games with a homerun last accomplished by Ken Griffey Jr. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts when asked if Ohtani can match or beat the record said, "Well, I don't know that answer. I do know if he has the same approach that he's had the last week, that green monster is very short. So any fly ball that he hits will be a homer. So, he's just got to continue to have that same approach when we go to Boston, and then we'll see what happens."

So he's basically saying, Ohtani needs to wake up, kiss his wife, put on his uniform and we'll see what happens. Thanks Dave, yeah thanks for nothing...I'm just kidding I actually love Dave Roberts as a manager. Ohtani's next at bat will be tomorrow against the Boston Red Sox and pitches against them on Sunday. You know what they say, records are made to be broken so like the manager said, we'll see.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker wants his money and he wants it now

 July 23, 2025

We're approaching the end of July already and I feel like this year is on a time warp, the calendar is flying by us. Speaking of the middle of summer, you would think I'd be talking a little more baseball, and I'll get there eventually. I mean I have to talk about Shohei Ohtani, like someone make sure this dude is human...he just hit his fourth homerun in four games. Saying this guy is must watch and incredible would be an understatement and you'd think the Angels knew what they had before they traded him errr ok so dude was a free agent but the Angels should've opened the checkbook and not let a future legend get away. They did get a draft pick for him and unless that pick is Cy Young, the Angels took a huge L.

Another player that wants more money is Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. He's on the final year of his contract and wants to know why the Cowboys front office are dragging their feet on his extension. 

It is kind of jacked up that Jerry Jones and crew do this to just about all of their players when it comes time to pay up on a new contract. I side with the players most times especially in the NFL which offers team favored contracts meaning there's usually no guarantee you're going to get everything you signed for. I just wrote about that yesterday with the Bengals new defensive end.

Parsons spoke after finishing a team practice. "When you go around the league and you see these other teams taking care of their best guys, I seen TJ Watt gotten taken care of. Maxx Crosby got taken care of. Myles Garrett got taken care of, and he's got two years left on his deal. You see a lot of people in the league taken care of, and you wish you had that same type of energy."

He's right TJ just got a three-year $123 million extension and Garrett just received a four-year $160 million extension. Would it kill the general manager of the Cowboys to not have a disgruntled superstar just one off season? Every year the GM makes a star player want to explore their options around other franchises; it's a dangerous game. Who is this GM...oh yeah, it's Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. 

Parsons also said, "I've been pretty consistent. If they don't want me here, they don't want me here and I'll go about my business. Like I said, as far as I'm here under contract, I'll do what I have to perform at the highest level but at the end this is the business. Same way Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and the other Jerry Jones take care of their family is the same way I need to take care of my family. I got three kids of my own, so we all need to take care of our own family at the end of the day."

It's Jerry's world and we're all just spectators. I remember when he strung Dak Prescott along before they gave him his extension. My point is despite how Parsons may feel, this is nothing new with the Cowboys, especially under Jerry's regime as the GM. Knowing how Jerry and crew operate I'm sure Parson's agent has been working the phones Jerry McGuire style trying to get something done last year because if you wait until your final year, you're at the team's mercy.

Bengals owner won't pay player to sit in jail

Well, the Cincinnati Bengals are in the news again. I just told you about how their QB Joe Burrows had his home burglarized for $300,000 and now the owner of the team is in the news. Mike Brown the team's owner, doesn't typically do interviews, it's usually once a year but he made it count this year with a blunt statement about a rookie's contract negotiations.

Shemar Stewart is a defensive end which is a great addition for the team. We all know Joe Burrow needs all the protection he can get. Stewart is a first-round draft pick so the dispute with the owner has nothing to do with his on-field ability, the Bengals are worried about what he's going to do after office hours. Stewart was offered a four-year, $19 million contract.

The problem is in the wording of the contract you see Stewart wants his money fully guaranteed meaning as soon as he signs the contract he's entitled to the full $19 million. The Bengals want to leave the contract how it is, meaning the team can void some of the guarantees if Stewart violates any NFL policies or if he breaks the law.

Brown said, "His agent wants it to be so that if he acted in a terrible fashion--this is all hypothetical--something that rises to the level of going to prison, that we would be on the line for the guarantees for the future years that haven't been paid. And our position is no, if that happens we're not going to be...we're not going to be paying someone who's sitting in jail. That's not what we're going to do."

Stewart and his agent haven't issued a response at the time of this report. Just when you thought an NFL owner couldn't be any more blunt than Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, the Bengals owner says hold my beer.

This is incredible, you have a team owner going on the record basically saying he has no faith his first round draft pick can stay out of trouble with the league or worse stay out of jail. In fact it sounds like Mike Brown's money is on Stewart violating some rules or possibly going to jail. It's not a matter of if but when right Mike...allegedly!

I thought team owners were smart, like highly educated trust fund babies errr I mean Harvard sophisticates. The owner's statement is certainly idiotic I mean even if that's how you truly feel, there's no benefit in sharing that with the media. The Bengals would've had a typical news day had they gone with the usual lie...you know, we can't guarantee your contract because you might get hurt. Nope, the owner decided to go nuclear with the he might go to jail blast.

I'm basically going to sit back with some popcorn and watch how the Bengals PR team tries to get out of this one. This can be misconstrued so many different ways, all of them negative. Now I know why Brown only does one interview a year, it's usually a mic drop moment...see you next year Mike.

Pawn show owner in hot water for selling Bengals QB's items

Are you ready for some football! Don't act like I'm the only one who grew up dancing to that song because the answer was always yes. One of the few things my stepdad and I bonded over. Rookies are already at the NFL training camps and the veterans are showing up this week. I hope the players have a good security system on their homes while they're away because athletes' homes have been targeted by robbers in a coordinated way. The robberies usually occur when the player is out of town for a road game.

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, Luca Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers and Mike Conley of the Minnesota Timberwolves all have had their homes robbed. The latest victim, who was referred to as Athlete 5, was revealed to be Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrows. Robbers stole $300,000 worth of cash, jewelry, and other items.

The robbers haven't been caught yet, but their boy Dimitry has. Dimitry Nezhinskiy owns a pawn shop in NYC. He has plead guilty to buying and selling luxury items stolen by a national burglary crew. He admitted purchasing stolen items including high end watches, jewelry, and handbags. He faces 5 years in prison and a $2.5 million fine, also, because he's from the country of Georgia, he faces deportation.

Joe Burrow is understandably shaken up. "I just get very uncomfortable. My life is very public, that comes with the job, but there's certain parts of your life that are yours. Your house is one of those." Burrow made the statement on the Netflix show Quarterback. On the show he also mentions canceling a replica Batmobile that is fully functional.

We all dream of winning the lottery and becoming an overnight millionaire. Then we think what we would do with all of that money. You gotta have one big splurge purchase and any millionaire could have a Ferrari or Rolls Royce or Bugatti...although at last check Bugatti's were going for $3 mil...Batmobile is collectable. Ever since the first Batman, which is the best sorry not sorry, and I'm talking about Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson's version. Ever since I saw that I wanted that car. Back to the den of thieves errr I mean corrupt pawn shop, dude will not only lose his business if convicted, he'll also be deported. What a moron but then again criminals aren't usually the brightest.

NFL Union Boss In Trouble For Strip Club Expenses

Have you ever had a job where you get to use the corporate expense account or credit card? It's a sweet perk you get usually when you have to travel out of town on business. Traveling out of town sucks because you have to be away from your family and kids, but the card almost makes it alright. Obviously, it comes with the typical rules, you know...Use it when necessary, blah blah blah. To me that means, room service, pay per view, hotel dry cleaning...all necessities. What it doesn't mean is hiring a car service, picking up your boys and hitting up the strip club all on the corporate card...allegedly.

Lloyd Howell Jr., who is now the former NFL Players Association boss now that he was fired errr I mean resigned earlier this week. The Union hired an outside investigator to audit Howell's expenses after his limousine bill came in. The car service began at the Fort Lauderdale Airport at 10:26pm according to reports and dropped him off at his home around 6:00am the next morning.

There were a few stops on the trip including Tootsie's Cabaret which is apparently the "World's Largest Strip Club." It's 76,000 square feet according to reports, it's also "Full Nude and No. 1 Rated"...their words not mine.

For some reason these expenses were flagged and while they were still under review dude hit up another strip club this time for the NFLPA summit in Atlanta. Apparently, Howell and some employees went to Magic City which is another strip club. Howell withdrew $2426 from an atm at the club. They also charged two VIP Rooms. The NFLPA summit is an annual event to build leadership among employees.

Howell said the he used the strip club as a "player engagement event to support and grow the union."

It should be noted that no player's names were listed on receipts or reports. How bad is this? Bob Stropp, a veteran labor lawyer said, "That's pretty horrible. That's unbelievable. I don't know how you get around that. It's hard to believe anyone would be so stupid."

Howell was elected president last year and was paid $3.6 million. At his former job he did the same thing. In 2015 Howell and a senior vice president of a corporation visited a Manhattan, NY strip club and ran up thousands of dollars. The VP was fired and Howell was reprimanded.

Thursday night Howell resigned saying, "It's clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances everyday. For this reason, I have informed the NFLPA Executive Committee that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the NFLPA and Chairman of the Board of NFL Players effective immediately."

Hey look, at the end of the day there is nothing wrong with a grown man visiting a strip club. Personally, I prefer casinos but whatever, him visiting isn't the problem. Him not paying or more specifically charging everything to the company is the issue. Damn it Howell, you made $3.6 mil last year but your pulling out $2500 in cash from an atm on the company? He obviously didn't learn his lesson after 2015 when he got his VP fired. My favorite part of this whole incident is when Howell says, " It's clear my leadership has become a distraction." Yeah dude no kidding! Your desire to make it rain with the company's money has just cost your a $3.6 million a year job...nice work. That labor lawyer was right, it is horrible, unbelievable, and most of all stupid.