Ocho Cinco, Haynesworth Create Buzz

Similar to draft day deals for former maligned stars Corey Dillon and Randy Moss, the New England Patriots on Thursday gave an already deep roster even more depth to play with. In two separate blockbuster deals, the Patriots acquired Albert Haynesworth from the Washington Redskins and Chad Ocho Cinco from the Cincinnati Bengals, two stars with limitless ability on the field, as well as a whole excess of baggage to derail a team. For any other team, deals for Haynesworth and Ocho Cinco would present a calculated risk. For the Patriots, however, the deals for the two castoffs is simply business as usual.


The motto, "buy low, sell high", has done wonders for the New England Patriots. Players have seen their careers revived and rewritten, from Bryan Cox, Rodney Harrison, and Mike Vrabel, to the aforementioned Dillon and Moss. Wes Welker was tossed aside by the Miami Dolphins, and even Tom Brady was picked at the bottom of the pile as a skinny sixth round pick from Michigan.

Bringing in Haynesworth and Ocho Cinco obviously has the chance to turn sour. After receiving the then largest contract ever, Haynesworth struggled in his first season in Washington. After tough skinned head coach Mike Shanahan took over in 2010, his decision to move Haynesworth to nose tackle didn't sit well with the former Tennessee Vol. Haynesworth's legal troubles also piled up, and by the end of last season, it was clear he was going to be moved.

In what was supposed to take the NFL by storm last season, Ocho Cinco and Terrell Owens' partnership never materialized to any sort of success. Along with the fact that Carson Palmer lost a considerable amount of skill, and the defense lacked any sort of pass rush, the Bengals struggled to the tune of 4-12. It wasn't Ocho Cinco's finest season to say the least. His numbers have declined slowly the past three seasons, and he has consistently been outlandish in a league full of outlandish players.

Both players were traded for late round picks, so the upside is enormous. It also helps to have the league's most heralded head coach in Bill Belichick, someone who turned out record producing years for Dillon and Moss, and even turned Troy Brown into a successful defensive back after injuries in the secondary mounted up. He also cut ties with Moss after four sub par games and a host of diva-ish behavior. Ocho Cinco has certainly had his fair share of whacky behavior since his introduction to the league a decade ago, but it's no secret that him and Belichick share a mutual respect. Belichick and Ocho Cinco bonded at the Pro Bowl a few seasons ago, and Belichick has always admired his passion for the game. In return, Ocho Cinco has always looked up to Belichick as if he were his own head coach.

Now, both players have a chance to revive their careers in the best possible situation. Haynesworth has the opportunity to play defensive end in a 3-4 alignment next to all-pro Vince Wilfork, and perhaps assume the role that Richard Seymour left in 2009. Ocho Cinco is given new life with all-time great Tom Brady as his quarterback. The Patriots lacked a vertical threat by season's end, given the departure of Moss earlier in the season, and Ocho Cinco still has the skills to excel down the field, as well as over the middle.

We shall see what happens this season in Foxborough. Whether you like them or hate them, you have to admit the Patriots sure know how to make a trade.

As if the Media wasn't Already Slime

When I first heard briefly of Rupert Murdoch's troubles in Great Britain, I paid little attention to it. While this may have been the man who spearheaded Fox News, gave Glen Beck a voice, and anointed Roger Ailes as the mastermind behind the scenes at Fox News, his troubles were across the pond. Why should I care about what is happening on the land of fish & chips, and extreme politeness? 
Watching The Daily Show last night (a more common theme for me these days), John Oliver joined host Jon Stewart to ease Stewart's disgust in regards to American news. While America's plight in overall decency and well-to-do-ness is dramatically low, Oliver highlighted the English media and it's future descent into the depths below:

- America = Funded/Glamorized the Casey Anthony trial
- England = News of the World (owned by Murdoch) accused of hacking voicemails of Britain soldiers killed in Iraq/Afghanistan, as well as victims of 9-11.
- England = Discovered that journalists and private investigator from News of the World had hacked into Milly Dowler's voicemail (Dowler had missing since 2002). Discovered that some messages - potential evidence - in Dowler's voicemail box had been deleted because it was full, freeing up space for new messages for them to listen to. Deletions misled family into believing she was still alive. She was later found murdered.
- England = Scotland Yard, the lead investigator in the case, had members routinely paid off by members of News of the World.
- England = Prime Minister David Cameron appointed former News of the World Editor Andy Coulson in 2007 as his Director of Communications. The same Andy Coulson in trouble for phone hacking. Coulson resigned from his position in January due to the controversy surrounding him.
- England = Hugh Grant (that Hugh Grant) brought justice by wearing a wire while conversing with a journalist at News of the World in regards to phone hacking.

So if I count that right (at least in the realm of The Daily Show), that's England: 4; America: 1; Hugh Grant:   -1; we're playing golf.

The steady decline in the media is nothing new. It has been slowly occurring and evolving as the technology has advanced. While it is true that complete and utter objectivity in the news has never, and will never exist, as long as there are people involved, an emotional tie will be evident.
On top of emotional partialness, exists a fiscal bond; politicians being swayed by money in favor of policies. There is a lot to be said and researched as far as that goes, but the fact that politicians from both sides have been "endorsed" by networks such as Fox and MSNBC ilegitimises what is taking place in the U.S. I just never noticed it growing up, partially because all I cared about was riding my bike, and partially because the 90's were pure gravy.

Now, former Britain Prime Minister Gordon Brown is among the latest to accuse Murdoch's News International Corp. of hacking into his phone. Among Brown's accusations includes private information concerning his bank account, as well as his terminally ill son.

Nothing is sacred and everything is wrong in today's society. People act like zombies, immersed in their iPhone and Facebook status', while the scum of the earth continues to act in accordance. In a society in which politicians can't settle a simple debt, a country takes a day off for a wedding, and a child murderer is given fame, at least the NFL and NBA will have an upcoming season...Shit!

Football Nation

Proving the critics wrong once again, the New England Patriots and coach Bill Belichick finished the 2010-11 NFL season a league-best 14-2. Behind Tom Brady's MVP season, a cast of rookies and unknown players, and a patch-it-up defense, the Patriots had its best regular season since its 16-0 feat in 2007. Although the playoff loss to the rival New York Jets still undoubtedly stings, the Patriots have a star quarterback, along with a talented core of young players that can rival with any other personnel in the league.


In the wake of an uncertain offseason due to the lockout, as of now, the Patriots may lose Matt Light, Gerard Warren, Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor and Shayne Graham to free agency. Stephen Neal, riddled by injuries the last few years, has opted to retire.

The league's highest scoring offense is set to bring back it's key contributors. Brady will be under center, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead splitting time in the backfield. Rookies Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are expected to receive playing time this year. Kevin Faulk, who is trying to return from injury for his 13th season, may have difficulty making the final roster.

Flanking Brady as his primary wideouts are diminutive but skilled Deion Branch and Wes Welker. Brandon Tate, Julian Edelman, and second year pro Taylor Price round out the top five. In what was perhaps the team's most improved position last season - tight end - is entirely back. Veteran Alge Crumpler is slated as the No. 1 tight end as of now, but talented second year players, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, appear poised to do great things in the NFL.

New England used a first round pick on talented but raw offensive tackle Nate Solder to perhaps replace free agent Matt Light. Other than the potential departure of Light, the line appears largely intact from the previous season, including all-pro guard Logan Mankins.

On the other side of the ball, although much maligned throughout the year, the Patriots defense improved itself as the year wore on, allowing just under 20 points per game, good for eighth best in the league. Despite having a unit which saw 29 year old Vince Wilfork as its elder statesmen, the defense showed glimpses of a potential wrecking ball in the NFL for years to come.

Pro bowler Wilfork returns to the defensive line along with Mike Wright and Ty Warren, who are both returning from injury. Wright appeared in 10 games, while Warren missed the entire season. Although Gerard Warren, a pleasant surprise last season, appears to be gone from the team due to free agency, the Patriots added veteran Marcus Stroud to the line. A first round pick by the Jaguars in 2001, Stroud spent the previous three seasons in Buffalo.

Jerod Mayo will look to improve upon an outstanding season in which he amassed 174 total tackles. Second year players Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes are back as the team's starting right outside and left inside linebacker. While both performed admirably after being thrown in the fire by Bill Belichick, Spikes had a somewhat disappointing end to the season. After being suspended for the final four games of the regular season for using a banned substance, Spikes played sparingly in the loss versus the Jets. Rob Ninkonvich rounds out the starting unit. Gary Guyton, Tully Banta-Cain, and Dane Fletcher return as key subs.

A unit with an ample amount of talent, lots of competition, and a lot to prove in the upcoming season, the secondary unit currently has 16 players listed on the depth chart. Rookie of the year candidate, Devin McCourtey returns as the Patriots top cornerback, as does the once undrafted Kyle Arrington. After being signed to a long term deal following a stellar 2009 season, Leigh Bodden missed all of last year due to injury. He will be under pressure to return to top form. Darius Butler seems to have gone from first round prodigy to bust in the matter of two seasons. His third season will be huge as he tries to prove himself in the league. New England stuck to its beliefs and drafted another cornerback, selecting Ras-I Dowling with the first pick of the second round.

Patrick Chung and Brandon Meriweather form a talented, but raw starting safety tandem. The scorn of some fans for the last few years, Meriweather is blessed with god-given talent that only a handful of safeties can match. Unfortunately, the mental aspect of playing has yet to surface itself completely. A second year man from Oregon, Chung improved dramatically in his second season, accumulating 96 tackles and three interceptions, including nine passes defended. James Sanders returns as a safety net in case Meriweather needs to return to reserve action.

After an excellent rookie year, punter Zoltan Mesko is back, as is kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Gostkowski missed the final eight games of the season, while Shayne Graham filled in admirably. Edelman and Tate appear to be slated in as the starting punt returner and kick returner, respectively.

NBA Lockout Nearing Crucial Point

Seemingly overshadowed by the NFL lockout, the NBA lockout is nearing a critical point for players and owners alike. The collective bargaining agreement is set to expire by Thursday's end, and both sides seem far apart.

The players and owners are far apart on issues such as players salaries, how to put forth the league's mandated salary cap, and how to divide revenue. When both sides appear unmoving, it leaves little hope for resolution.

Again, nobody seems to notice that the NBA is squandering one of it's better seasons in the last 15 years. Not when the NFL is going through a similar lockout, or that the NFL is making what looks as progress between the two sides. When people are struggling to find jobs, or to make an income, or to avoid foreclosure on their homes, it is hard to sympathize with a professional athlete making multi-millions of dollars to play a game.

Owners are proposing a "Flex Cap," where a $62 million cap would be in place and teams would be forced to pay a sum if they exceed it. A minimum and maximum amount would be put on both ends of the proposed "Flex Cap." Players are still calling it a "Hard Cap," since there is a specified amount that cannot be exceeded.

It doesn't matter what kind of cap the proposed deal is going to be called. What matters is the percentage of basketball related revenue goes to each side.

Only die-hard fans seem to care about the lockout, and even they are getting turned off by the reluctance to compromise. Isn't that how deals are made?