LET FLOYD BE FLOYD!

If your not watching the 24/7 Mayweather and the other guy. I say that because no one watches this show to see the other fighter. They want to see Floyd and all his crazy antics. Mayweather is coming out of his short one year retirement to fight Juan Manuel Marquez. Some say this is a tune up fight for Floyd to fight Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

Mayweather is the best boxer pound for pound and if you think otherwise he is going to show you next year when he does fight the "Pacman." What I do want to talk about is... everyone needs to get off his back. Why do you have to associate this gun thing with him? His car was in the parking lot and someone apparently sent him a text that he hopes he loses. So we assume he was involved. Do you know how many people say they wish he would lose? If he tried to shoot all of them he would be a very busy man. If the cops say he has nothing to do with it then he's got nothing to do with it. Innocent til proven guilty. Just because he is cocky doesn't mean hes a thug.

Ive run into Floyd a few times around Vegas. He runs with his entourage and if you don't bother them they aren't going to bother you. He did have about $7 million in jewelry stolen from his home. They say it one of the biggest burglary heists in Nevada history. That isn't chump change either, so why not have guns to protect yourself. He also has a huge security staff like there not going to have guns to protect him. This isn't the Plexico case, Mayweather isn't caring the weapon around himself and shooting people.

This is a ploy by some guy to try and get money out of Floyd one way or another. I like Floyd. I think he is all boxing has. When he fights Pacman, its going to be one of the biggest fights ever in history and a lot of people are going to get paid. All this controversy is just an act if you ask me. When has there ever been a Mayweather bout without some kind tiff. Whether its his domestic dispute with his kids mother. His on again off again feud with his Dad. Which is back on again. Or even his uncle Roger being accused of choking some women. Like Floyd said on the show. Its Rogers business he doesn't know about it and it not right for the women or the man to put hands on each other. Floyd said he wants to be positive and focus on this fight.

Mayweather has a lot to lose. He never wants to lose and if he does a lot of people are going to through it in his face. That is his motivation. That is why he is so good. He wants to fight anyone you think he cant beat. He knocked out Hatton, Juddah, and De La Hoya. I think his resume speaks for it self. You have to remember boxing isn't like the UFC. There isn't a guy ready to take your belt every step of the way. But the way Floyd fights he wont back down from anyone.

Give the guy some credit. He may be cocky, and arrogant but its him and if boxing didn't have him, I would never watch and neither would any of you.

That's whats on my Mind!

SIMSZEE

COME ON YOUR NOT THAT STUPID!

Plexico, Plexico, Plexico...

Did any of you watch this interview? Athletes wonder why they get a bad rap for being dumb. Plexico Burress was a hero in the Superbowl just over a year ago. He caught a touchdown, got a ring and a new $40 million dollar contract.

The guy goes into the club with a loaded gun and shoots himself in the leg. REALLY! So you don't know the New York law about guns and you live there? REALLY! You walk up a few steps and trip and the gun slides down your pants and goes off? REALLY!

Does this make any sense to anyone. You should have just stayed quite. There is no way anyone is giving you sympathy now. The interview with Jeremy Shaap on E:60 was not worth it. Plexico looked dumb and uneducated.

He claims one of his teammates was robbed at gun point so he started to carry the gun. He picked one of his friends up from the same neighborhood his teammate was robbed in and didn't feel safe. These are not the back streets of Compton. This is a very nice neighborhood in NYC. He tells Jeremy Shaap that if he didn't have to pick up his friend he wouldn't have had the gun.

Okay, so why not put the gun in the glove box when you go into the club? Plexico your looking dumb here. As I'm watching this I'm thinking... this guy was educated at Michigan State. I really wanted to attend State when I was younger. Shoot! A lot of my cousins went there. They alumni must be going crazy watching this.

As the interview goes on he talked about walking in the club. They searched him and from what he says the guards new he had a gun. What the hell do you search people for if your not looking for weapons? I'm not going into a club that lets people in with weapons. That's just stupid. After he gets by security, he is walked up to the VIP room with his teammate Antonio Pierce. Plexico says he missed a step and the gun slipped down his pant leg. Do you not know how to walk? Then he said he grab the gun on the trigger and that is when it shot him in the leg. What the hell are you thinking? He said he didn't realize he was shot until he looks down at his Chuck Taylor shoe and the white rubber is covered in red. So he knows hes bleeding.

Let me get this straight you get in the club with a gun, the gun you had because you felt unsafe in a neighborhood your buddy lives in. You trip walking up the stairs and shoot yourself in the leg. But you didn't know you were shot until you saw the blood on your shoe. Then all you can think of is your family and if your going to die.

Why didn't you have a holster? Why didn't you leave it in the car after you left the scary neighborhood? Why do you even need a gun.? Your a damn football player! Plexico made himself look like a real idiot when he did this. You not only could have killed yourself, you could have killed someone else for being stupid. And to top it all off you don't know the New York law on weapons. Its your own damn fault.

If I'm an athlete! I'm at my huge house with my good friends partying every night, if that's what you want to do. Why do you need to go out? People see you on TV all the time. Who cares. Make your cash and relax. But Plex couldn't do that.

Now the guy has to go to jail for two years. He pretty much ruined his career and may never get a chance to play again in the NFL. What are you thinking when this goes down? He says he lucky. Yeah you are. But you could have stopped it. Your that big of a wuss you need a gun? Ill never understand it. These guys always have to learn the hard way and its just getting old.

I say the league just starts banning these guys for ever.

That's what is on my Mind!

SIMSZEE

TOP HIGH SCHOOL TEAM?

I was reading the RJ today and it was talking about the best high school teams and it leaves it up to the best two. Bishop Gorman and Palo Verde. Both schools have been in the state title game the last few years, Gorman won the 2007 title. They return half their squad from '07 and Palo Verde has lost more then half theirs from last years state final runner-up team.

The question is what program is better. I'm only going to go back the last nine years because Gorman was garbage and Palo Verde wasn't even in existence. This is a big debate between me and a lot of my friends and that is because half of us went to Gorman and the other half went to Palo (or claims they did Jack Degree).

I think coach Darwin Rost is a great coach. He has won a state title, been to a few title games and runs a sweet double wing offense. Gorman on the other hand has a little controversy going on. After going 15-0 and 12-2 in two season and winning the state title in 2007, Gorman's first since the early 80's, fired their coach. It was kept to an in house issue but when your dealing with parents that pay your salary and your not playing their kid your going to have a problem. Why is that a problem? I have no clue if someone is better then me they should play, especially if were winning state titles.

Anyway the question is who is better? Both programs have shown a lot of success in the past few years and I know this is totally out there but I have to go with Palo Verde. I love Gorman its my school but Palo is more consistent. Rost has to put up with the rezoning all the time and different kids coming in and out. Gorman can go get who ever they want.

Gorman has the talent but you always have to develop that talent into a team setting. They have had guys like Dyante Perkins, DeMarcco Murry, and Ryan Reynolds come through the program. This year they have five or six players going to Pac-10 schools. They will be the team to beat this year. Only thing is will the new coach change what has been working so well the last two years. The Panthers have a fullback returning that rushed for almost 1000 yards last season and is going to get more carries moving over to the wing. This is going to be an exciting Sunset title game for the third year in a row. You can through out all the other schools right now.

Palo is the more consistent school with developing what they have and that gives them the edge. I like coach Rost offense and the way he runs his program. If Gorman wins another state title we might have to have this debate again.


That's whats on my mind!

SIMSZEE

YOU CANT HANDLE MAKIN A MILLI?

I caught this story yesterday about Michael Beasley. Its just pisses me off. You get this opportunity and you want to do drugs and you think life is so hard. Someone tell this damn kid he has an opportunity of a lifetime. Someone tell Mike Vick or Plexico to call this kid. He put out a message "life is not worth living." Are you kidding me! I'm so sick of this poor me bullshit from people!

Beasley is 20 years old, was taken high in the NBA draft two years ago. He made $4.2 million last season. And his salary will keep going up. What is there to be depressed about? You get anything you want. You play basketball nine months out of the year. Your very young and have a huge career ahead of you. You feel the need to check yourself into rehab, because you have a drug problem? That's fine. You and Lindsay can kick it. Just get better and don't whine about it.But then a tweet surfaces that says you dont feel like living. Its people like Beasley that really bug me. They say, "Life is to tough for me so I should end my life." "Why does the bad shit always happen to me?" COME ON!!! You sound like this girl I use to date! In the words of JD your a squallywag! Oh and let me give you a WAAHHHHH courtesy of Artie Lange and my boy Josh. You make millions! Grow up!

Get it together man. You have millions of dollars in the bank and you act like your on a team where the franchise is counting on you to win championships. I pretty sure they have Dwade for that. I don't hear him crying about how hard it is. I think you are just being a baby and need something to blame your problems on. Like I said grow up. I'm sick of these people in general, its not just athletes that think life is so bad either. You people who need to go out and party all night get wasted because life is so tough. PLEASE! Then you drive home endangering people who actually want to live. You all made your own bed. You choose your own path. Its nobodies fault but your own. You latch on to the wrong people and shut the right people out! You have no one to blame.

Now, Beasley wants to end his life. There has to be more to this, but I will always say life is never that bad to take your own. Your not going to get too much sympathy in this situation, one, because you make so much money, two you are 20 years old and play a professional sport.

I understand there are pressures. Try having a family and making your two week pay check in one year. My good friend does it and I never hear him complain. Shoot! I even complain and look like an idiot sometimes and I make way more then he does. Its going to get you nothing but a label of complainer. Your not going to want that label. I know you get everything handed to you and its hard to say no to people with there hand out but look where that got VICK.

In these athletes lives most come from tough back grounds, but you have to understand that when you have this opportunity you need to hold on to it. I think its all about who you surround yourself with. You can have the worst spouse, or the worst kids, or the worst parents but its your choice to be around negative people. If your dad was a dead beat, wouldn't you want to be better? If your sisters kids are horrible, wouldn't you want to teach your kids better? If your spouse was cheating, beating and didn't care, its your fault you keep going back. You make your own decisions. I'm sitting here writing this and these athletes and people who don't have bad lives but think their world is crashing around them. Try this you fuck'n Babies!

My good friend sitting two rows away from me at work is dealing with a major illness in his family. He comes to work every day with a smile on his face. Shoot! I cant even do that sometimes and I only have myself to think about. Makes you wonder. When you think you have it tough someone has it worse. I'm so sick of these people, whether its at work, on TV, or in sports. Get over it! I have to tell myself that sometimes. Life ain't that bad. Sure we have bumps in the road. Everyone does! You learn from it. It makes you stronger. Crying about it, or saying poor me, isn't going to help.

I think my boy should tell you his story. Maybe that will make guys like MIKE BEASLEY think about what they actually have!

SIMSZEE
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take it away buddy....

MY GREEN DAY FROM CANCER

With the last year of our life feeling like hell. Progression to stage IV cancer. Not sure what to feel, what to do. Looking under every rock, for what? A cure? Maybe just motivation or maybe just a distraction.


Now I’m told that I’m going to be a father, again. Wow! How amazing. It’s a girl. I’m going to have another little girl, how great is that! Things go great, of course they do. Katie is my wife the mother of my children. She is so strong and always makes the best decisions. My late mother looks down on her everyday. My mother, who of course was perfect, is taking notes on how well Katie operates. Here I am 30 years old, now with two beautiful little girls and an amazing wife, what an amazing life.

Then shortly after the baby came, Katie came to me and said she had a lump!

“A what,” I said. “You have a lump, that can’t be good?”

“No, I’m sure it ok.” She told me.

I know the baby is only weeks old, it must have something to do with that. Yeah I know we had a cancer scare a couple years ago, but they told us it was ok and we got to it early. They took some limp nodes out at that time to see if the cancer spread. The doctors tested them, and they told us we got it early. We were good. I thought to myself we need to get these check out.

“Okay Katie, you’re right let’s go get that lump checked, just to be safe,” I said to her.

I got a call from Katie at work. That went like this…

“THEY WHAT,” I said. “No! That doesn’t make sense, this can’t be true, and I’m coming home!”

That was some call, I was over an hour away from my wife and she is alone. I wasn’t able to breathe, how am I going to drive? How is she breathing without me? Dam it Ben! I tell myself, get in your car and drive home, she needs you. Wow! What a drive home with everything running through my head.

It was Cancer! Cancer in her limp node.

Hold on they (doctors) told us, two years ago that as long as it doesn’t spread to the limp nodes we would be ok! Now it’s in her limp nodes? Thought to myself this cant be good. This is what I’m saying in my head. Sorry, I got side tracked, my plan was not to give you a play-by-play just felt I needed to give you some background about this.

Here is the deal. My wife is beautiful. She grew up on the west coast, where she was subjected to sun and sunburns. Now, my wife as of last month has melanoma cancer that has spread to her lungs. Four surgeries, one clinical trial and many doctor visits later. We are still looking under every rock for what? The WHAT, was about to come.

We get a call from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America to tell us they have two tickets to a concert,

“How cool!” I said.

After all the bullshit I just told you, something great happens. Although it was on short notice and we had to scramble to find a baby sitter, but they asked us if we would like to go.

“Well,” I said turning to Katie and asked, “you just had half your lung removed within the last four five weeks, what do you think?” She said, “I’ll go.”

“Bad ass,” I said.

But I had second thoughts about her going out after what she has been through. We haven’t been out of the house except to see the doctor.

“You know you still have the infection from the surgery,” I said.

“Yeah, Yeah, Ben I know,” she said sarcastically.

We both thought when was the last time we actually did something? What most don’t realize that when someone is fighting cancer it’s a hurdle to do anything, even something that could be fun? And that is what we did.

What I saw next is hard to put into words, but I will try!

They gave us a suite above the rest. We could see it all. We saw teenagers with LIFE, I mean full of LIFE. They are watching their idols on stage full of life, living the dream. Not just seeing it, this fucking guy was letting them on stage, letting them sing.

Four weeks ago, I was starring at my wife in a hospital with tubes and any other kind of devices attached to her imaginable, just helping her to breathe. I’m a grown man holding back tears, why? I’m a 30-yr old man and I’m trying not to cry. I just kept looking, thinking about my wife, what was going on?

I wanted to know. What is my wife thinking? Is she having fun? Is she in pain? What was going on was we finally had LIFE! We had 30,000 puck rockers full of life with us.

I spent half my time watching this great performer and trying to put it into context for my wife. Does she think this is her last concert? Or one of many to come? No one can be sure but the only thing this concert did was give us hope and hope is all we have to LIVE. I can’t speak for my wife, but those smiles on her face showed me everything I needed, to know.

This was one of the best concerts of my life and I got to share the great experience with my wife. It gave us the inspiration to fight this tough battle and that someone like Greenday can give us hope to LIVE everyday like it’s our last.

Thank you Greenday. Thank you Cancer Treatment Centers of America, thank you for giving me my “GREENDAY” from cancer.

Sincerely,
Benji Ostrovsky

WHERE DO YOU GET THESE NAMES?

Whats up everyone? I was out in L.A. this weekend for the Kings Of Leon concert with some buddies. Pretty sick show if you get a chance to see them don't pass it up... Anyway on my way back yesterday I got to thinking about this UFL Las Vegas Locomotives name. Where in the hell did that come from? I don't understand how we name things like this in Vegas.

The UFL commissioner says there going to shorten the nickname to the "Locos," I mean seriously why? So were known as the Las Vegas Crazies? (in spanish). Who the heck thought of this. Why are they not naming these teams with something in common with the city? The Steelers are named after the steel city. The Dolphins pretty much goes with being in Miami. The Pistons fits Detroit. If its not going to be an animal nickname then it should fit the city. I have had to question some of the Vegas sports franchises nicknames. We have had the Slam, not really fitting the city but goes along with the sport that's okay. The 51's is kind of out there but area 51 is close. The wranglers? When has this town ever been associated with a cowboy? I'm guess its because of the NFR. No clue. The Thunder. Its not like we get a lot of rain. The Floods would have been more appropriate.

Why cant we have names associated with the city. Like Snake eyes. They would have two die on the jeresy. Or the Traffic Lights. There's one every 100 yards in the state. The Las Vegas Casinos. They could have the skyline on the jeresy.

I don't get where they got this Locomotives from. This isn't a city that runs trains through it. I don't even know where the train station is. I have lived there for 26 years. Then to shorten the name to Locos. Really. We are now playing the politically correct game with team names. I'd agree with the name if it was a team from Tijuana. Have you ever been to that city? Let the city vote on the teams name next time. This is officially the worst name in sports for that city. I think my three year old nephew could come up with a better name.

I want to hear your nicknames for Vegas franchise.

That's whats on my mind.

SIMSZEE

FLASH BACK JULY 2006

This is my interview with Dana White UFC president in July of 2006.

If you are a fight fan and haven’t seen the Ultimate Fighting Championship yet just turn on your television, Thursday nights on Spike TV and watch a show called Ultimate Fighter. The UFC is doing big things and from those I’ve talked to, think it is bigger than boxing and respect it more.

Fighting is a sport that has been around since the caveman days where men had to show their power and skills to another. That turned into boxing, which in the past few years has lost some serious respect. What I mean by respect is you can’t turn on a Pay-Per-View boxing match these days and expect to see a great fight and if it is great someone gets the short end of the stick from the judges. Then your disappointed you spent 59.99. But the UFC is where it’s at these days. Boxing was your Dads sport the mix-martial-arts (MMA) is the sport now and the UFC has it. If you were to order a Pay-Per-View UFC fight (which is cheaper and have one every month) you won’t be disappointed in the outcome. These fighters put it all on the line in the octagon ring and there is defiantly no dancing around for 12 rounds. I was able to catch up with UFC president Dana White this past month and ask him about the UFC compared to boxing.

White along with Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta bought the UFC in 2001 and ever since then their vision of making it a success has been golden.

“We thought it had potential to be big,” White said.

Before White took over the sports it didn’t have any real regulations and you had to fight many times in one night to become champ. He put in the weight classes, added the belts, and produced superstars in the sport in a very short amount of time. The UFC is more like the WWE in the way it is put on but the fights are real like boxing.

“It’s not like the WWE persona, but it does take on that image because of the pyrotechnics,” White said.

The UFC is totally real. There are no story lines or made up fights, these guys are really hitting each other and it is very dangerous. Despite the danger the sports seems very safe.

“We are safety freaks,” said the UFC President. “We think every state should have MMA regulations. We don’t want to see anybody seriously hurt.”

The UFC unlike boxing has not had a death in the ring at all and they would like to keep it that way. The fighters have to go through so many safety regulations before a fight it makes you think its safer than boxing. Like boxing the UFC does report the athletic commissions before events, but what makes the UFC more exciting is there are no promoters running their sport. If they want to fight they fight. If there is a rematch it doesn’t take a year and a half to get it on. These guys fight and will fight again two months later if they need to.

“We don’t have to jump through all the hoops,” said White of rematches and big fights. “They have promoters and all kings of holes they have to go through that.”

White isn’t saying that the UFC doesn’t promote but what he is saying is the guys like Don King or Bob Arum aren’t holding up fight cards. The UFC has recently taken its show to reality television with the Ultimate Fighter. The show is beginning its fifth season. So much for not going to last.

“We have beat out the NBA and NHL playoffs combined in ratings last year,” White said. “We are also fortunate now with the TV show that we can build stars and promote them.”

Many didn’t think the show would work for White and the UFC because the Contender didn’t do any good for boxing.

“Stallone loves boxing and his heart was in the right place, but you have to have people in the sports promoting it not Hollywood actors,” White said. “We spent our own money promoting this (UFC). Nobody spends money to make boxing big anymore.”

Unlike boxing the fighters don’t make near $10 million a fight but they do very very well. A fighter can make anywhere from $4,000 a fight to $4 million a year. This also depends on the type of fighter you are. Obviously the champions and big contenders make the most but you can work your way up like in any sport. UFC fighters are not only getting big contracts but now they have endorsements as well.

White loves the fact that people are saying the UFC is better than boxing.

“It’s about the way we promote our fighters and we are very fortunate that we can do that with the TV show now,” White said. “The UFC is more consistent than boxing and nobody’s trying to secure their sports future.”

The UFC isn’t a flash in the pan sport that’s big one day and gone the next. They have promoted their sport so well that there are many faces of the sport like a baseball or basketball. They have many superstars not just one face.

It seems like anything White has touched with the UFC has not only turned to gold but platinum and now his next big move is overseas.

“We are opening a office in England,” White said.

This is a great sport that is going to be around for a very long time and it seems to be catching on everywhere not just in the United States. If you haven’t seen a PPV or the show on Spike I strongly suggest you tune in very soon because your missing out!

GOODBYE JR!

Got a good one for you today. Ive been meaning to touch on this subject but other things came up. Its about Jeremy Roenick. Some of you might not know who he is. I would list him as the greatest American born hockey player in the history of the sport. I'm not writing this to talk about all his accomplishments you can look those up on NHL.com. I want to tell you why hes probably the best role model for anyone.

JR is a great player and an even a better athlete. He told a story in his retirement press conference about about when he was 7 yrs old and watching the Hartford Whalers practice. Gordie Howe one of the best to ever play the game was at the end of his career skated up to JR at the glass picked up some snow on the end of his stick and dumbed it on JR's head. Howe then skated across the rink looked over at him and winked. Roenick said this was the coolest thing anyone had ever done for him. He was shocked that a man of Howe's celebrity took a few second out of his day to recognize this youngster. JR said from that day forward if he was to ever become famous he would acknowledge every fan. He said Howe influenced the way he played the game and why he played so hard.

JR talked for about an hour about his career and the people he played with. He was the 9th overall pick right out of high school. Not many American born players come right out of USA high school into the NHL. He did it and he also became a voice in the Chicago locker room when he was a rookie by standing up to Iron Mike Keenen.

What was so cool about this press conference is that players who played with him actually called in and a talked about what a great guy JR was. Chris Chelios told a story about him being a young guy in Chicago and Chelios was a vetern and he actually learned to be a better player because of him. Not often do you see a veteran learn from a young guy. Mike Modano and Keith Tzkauck both called and told stories of JR with fans.

Through his career he was always a character. He never bitched about a contract. He never complained about ice time. He taught younger guys to play the game and make it better. He taught them to mature and be men.He would joke with the fans by either dancing on the ice in between timeouts or taking there popcorn through the glass. He would sign every autograph and it didn't matter where he was. He said he loved to be in the streets and get a pat on the back or a "JR your the best," when he was out. He said that meant he was doing his job. He was loved in every city he played in.

This is what you never see anymore with athletes. They retired they say a few words they walk away I have never seen a retirement speech like this. Where the players call in and tell stories and the GM and good friends tell stories. He was a great player and great athlete. He was very outspoken and wanted it the way he wanted it but never complained about it. He played 20 seasons in the NHL and was a All-Star almost half of them. JR is a great ambassador for the sport of Hockey but athletes in general. I would love my kids to grow up and have this type of guy to idolize. All athletes should take note that this is the way you should give back to the fans. Go out there play 110% and make sure your pleasing the fans who come to see you and make your pay check.

Thank you JR for a great career. You will be missed!

SIMSZEE

HE'S BAAAAACK! AGAIN!

Yes folks he is back again. Brett Favre is a Viking. It was all over every news channel yesterday. I mean how boring is it in Minnesota that you have to follow this guy in a chopper like hes OJ running from the police.

This is what bothers me about this guy. First of all, are you nuts to give an old man 12 million dollars? You know the guy still has a particle tear in his rotators cuff right? Brett couldn't make up his mind about retiring again and then all of a sudden he gets a call when hes out with the high school kids and says sure why not ill come play. I mean seriously Brett. You were retired 3 weeks ago and I thought we finally heard the end of it. I think this is your old age taking place. Did they bombard you too much with texts and calls that you finally cracked? What has changed in 3 weeks?

Think about this... Mike Tyson in his last few fights took a beating because he in his words "I cant do it anymore, and I don't want to disgrace the sport anymore." He couldn't do it because he wasn't able to do it physically. Sure your mind is telling you to push forward but your body isn't. Michael Jordan in he last few seasons was amazing but he said I just cant keep up anymore. Brett take a page from these guys. Get out man, you have already hurt your legacy a bit by dragging us through your crazy indecisive saga year in and year out.

Favre is done. He had a terrible season last year. He isn't 100% by any means. Hes a bit of a baby because he didn't want to stay in the dorms the first part of training camp. Brett who is your agent. I mean be truthful man. Have your agent write you a contract that says you don't have to come to training camp and you'll show up when you want. Roger Clemens did it in Houston why cant your agent get you that contract. Instead you look like and idiot putting out these deadlines then saying your retired, then changing your mind again. I think you love the camera as much as Paris Hilton.

Here's the thing, I'm sick of you. I want to watch TV without hearing about you. Go away. Now I've got to put up with this again next year because you signed a two year deal. Is it my imagination or didn't you sign a two year deal with the Jets and made them release you? Your better have a good season! Or its going to piss off the Vikings, the league, the players, and everyone who is annoyed with you. I mean your old age is kicking in with this indecisiveness and if that plays out on the field your going to be in permanent retirement when a linebacker rips your head off.

What do you all think out there. Is this guy just want attention? I mean how do you go from a great QB to someone who just annoys us now.

That's whats on my Mind!

SIMSZEE

DONT HATE TIGER, HATE THE GAME!

Hey Everyone! Sorry I've been celebrating another year on this earth the last few days so I haven't been around. I'm back in action now and I have a little something on my mind. It kind of ruined my whole Sunday.

I woke up Sunday ready to watch the greatest golfer on earth win his 15th major championship and 71st PGA victory. That's right Skip Bayless I said greatest golfer on earth. Tiger has a two shot lead going into the final round of the PGA Championship. A two shot lead for him is like a 10 shot lead for anyone else. He was playing with the 110th ranked golfer in the world. Y.E. Yang... That's what I said! WHO?

The question on First Take Monday morning was did Tiger choke or did Yang play great? If you watched the first three rounds of the tourney, Tiger was playing great. He had 29 total putts on the first day. That's awesome. The last day he missed 4 easy putts inside 8 feet that would have put this tournament in his back pocket. When your playing with Tiger there is always the intimidation factor that you have to deal with. Huge crowds, fans cheering him and booing you.

I don't know about you guys but I want Tiger to win every time he goes out on the course. It pretty much ruins my day if he doesn't win. That is how much I love this guy. Its not that I hate the other players. I like Phil, Vijay, and every UNLV golfer on tour. But I just like to see Tiger win. I like greatness.

So back to the question did he choke? In my opinion he did not. I think Tiger got tired. He played 3 tournaments in a row, won the previous two, and held the lead until the fourteenth hole on Sunday. I think he got tired. Skip Bayless was saying this was a huge choke but that would take away from what Yang did. This guy had a great chip on 14. He takes a gamble on 16 by going for the short side of the green and makes it stick. Then on 18 puts it 7 feet from the pin after hitting a hybrid over a tree from 200 yards out. Yang played great he had a few good shots to keep him in the tournament and win.

What Skip Bayless said about Tiger choking and not having a great season is insane. Hes a HATER just like this boss at my work who hates on anyone whose good. Even people on their own team. I think I'm going to start referring to them as SKIP BAYLESS. Anyway Tiger won five times on tour this year. Hes probably going to win his second Fedex cup and once again lead in money. Did we forget Skip that Mr. Woods is coming off major reconstructive knee surgery and won five times this year. He finished in the top ten in all majors but one.

I'm going to say that 2010 might be a huge year for the Tiger. Hes going to come back better and blow everyone out because hes just that good and hates to lose. So to all you TIGER HATERS or haters in general. Get over it! When someone is good at what they do, don't hate... congratulate.

That's whats on my mind!

SIMSZEE

GET OVER IT!

Hey everyone! I just want to thank you all again for reading my blog. I have gotten great feed back from all of you I really appreciate it.

First thing is first. I have avoided it all week, waiting to see if he signed a contract. And sure enough Mike Vick signed on Thursday with the Eagles. I think being around Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb is a great thing for Vick. These are two of the most professional guys in the NFL. McNabb is the leader of the team and when you play in Philly you have to be very tough. I mean this is the city that booed Santa!

What is bothering me though, is most out there are not giving Vick the chance. YES! What he did was wrong. I agree 100% with the punishment and he served his time. Do I have a lost respect for the guy sure. In the back of my mind like most of you he is a dog killer. That doesn't take away from him serving his time and pretty much helping the authorities take out a huge dog fighting organization. Frank Lucas sold drugs to kids and killed a lot of people. He also helped authorities bring down a huge corrupt police outfit. People love him for it. I mean sure you think it might not be the same but they both served their time.

Vick has a lot of talent and should be given a chance to play and show what he has. I mean we have given multiple chance to people who didn't serve time or committed worse crimes. You want examples?

Adam "Pacman" Jones was a great NFL player and wasn't he arrested numerous times before the Vegas shooting? A shooting that caused a man to use the use of his limbs. We gave him a suspension and then let him back in the NFL. Sure hes not there today but he almost killed a human.

HEY! I love dogs! I do not condone anything Mike Vick did. It was totally wrong but unlike Jones, Vick served time behind bars.

Ruben Patterson was an NBA players for the Seattle Sonics and Portland Trailblazers who is now retired. He is a convicted sex offender. He was accused of sexual assault and pled down to a lesser charge. He has to register as a sex offender. He got another shot and played along time in the NBA. I'm not sure he was even suspended.

In no way am I defending a criminal here. I was told by my parents at a young age that if you put yourself in a stupid situation stupid things are going to happen. Something I will always live by and I will pass on to my nephews. These guys put themselves in stupid situations and something bad happened. I think we are trying to make an example out of Vick when we should have been making examples out of other athletes before him. Maybe this would have prevent him from doing this and maybe not. But here's the thing. The guy did his time and needs to be left alone. Sure PETA is going to send out there signs and picketers. My favorite sign was, "Hide your beagle, Vick is an Eagle." I mean really people. You have that much time on your hands to think of this shit.

The way these athletes need to be punished is to have no mention of there names anywhere. We as media are helping them get back to where they were prior to there actions. Then we end up forgiving them. Then, when they do it again its a let down. I mean why pay them any attention. This is why I didn't want to talk about it. But I had to say something because I'm sick of this negative talk. The guy did his time. We have a judicial system for a reason. Is it always fair? Not at all. In this case I think 2 years in prison was well deserved. I mean vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence will get you 30 days in jail. Doesn't make sense does it? That's what we should be talk'n about. Or Rick Pitino who is a devoted catholic but cheats on his wife. We need to focus on more then someone who actually did there time, was found guilty and paid his dues. Sure your think'n he killed an animal that's terrible, if someone tried to kill my dogs I'd go after them. These dogs were bred from the start to be evil so by no means were they going to be some families home pet. But they should have not been killed. Shelters kill more innocent animals all the time and we should focus on that.

My point is get off the guys back focus on something else. Focus on the people who are sliding by in society. Vick got a chance to revive his career. Is he lucky? Absolutley! This guy is bankrupt, served time in jail, and is the laughing stock of the world right now. Your mad because he is going back to work. Let me ask you something. How do you know the guy who sits next to you at work isn't a criminal? I sit next to people who have many DUI convictions. I think that driving while drunk is just as bad as killing a dog, because you can kill a human or multiple humans if something bad were to happen. Do I think these people are bad people. Hell No! Do I think they deserve to go back to work? Why not!

What I have noticed about criminals is that if they haven't changed they will mess up again and then its all over. No one has to forgive what he did. Like I said every time I see Vick on TV or in a game I'm going to think that's the guy who killed the dogs. Everyone else will also have that same thought and I think that's going to be punishment for life. There are good people who have done bad things, but do deserve another chance.

Now with this being said donut come back with this what if someone killed a family member. Give me a frick'n break. Ask yourself that question. Of course Id be pissed. But murders don't get out of prison too often.

That's whats on my mind!

SIMSZEE

One thing you all might want to watch tonight. HDnt has the Gina Carano fight against the worlds most dangerous woman Cyborg! Check it out. If you missed UFC 100 its on spike tonight for free.

ACT LIKE YOU'VE BEEN THERE!

So I'm watch'n sportscenter last night and I see the Cubs and Phils highlights. Now Shane Victerino is the Philly center fielder. He goes back after a fly ball and gets a beer dumped on him. It was a Cubs fan who was escorted out of the building for throwing the beer on him.

Now don't we all have some class? I mean when you attend a professional game why can't you act professional. Sure you have a few drinks, yell out a few boos, and cheer. Why do you need to throw a drink on an opposing player? Ive seen some stupid fans in my day, and why do you have to be an asshole to the opposing teams fans? Ill never understand it.

Its cool to talk smack and go back n forth when its between teams but why does it always end hostile. Let me give you a few examples.

UNLV vs. Hawaii: If you attend this game wear neutral colors or else your catching a beat down. I went to this game in Las Vegas and watch four Hawaiians beat the hell out of a friend of mine for no reason, serious, no reason. Just because your team starts to lose doesn't mean you need to take it out on a fan from the other side that said your team suck. Wow those are serious words. I'm not say'n you shouldn't love your team but don't act like an idiot. Have some class when you attend a game.

San Francisco vs Arizona Diamondbacks: I went to this game a few years back and it was when Barry Bonds was still playing and had all the allegations for steroids come up. We were sitting in left field behind him. This guy about four rows back walks down to the wall and chucks a empty water bottle at Bonds. Now he was about 20 feet away so no water bottle was coming close to him especially and empty one. Why did you do that? The guy is already being humiliated in the media you think hitting him with a water bottle is going to send him into a deep depression? Lets be real.

UNLV vs UNR: Ive never seen a football game with more fights in the stands besides Hawaii. I traveled to this game when I was in college and there were UNR fans just waiting to pick fights. We were actually in the SAE house after the game and a few friends of mine were hangout in the hallway. This guy who looked like King Kong Bundy punches a buddy of mine in the face because he had a UNLV shirt on. So here we are in a frat house of the opposing school having a good time with some of their fans and this guy jacks my buddy in the face. Well needless to say my really good friend took care of this big guy outside. All I remember were two things. My boy walking about side all five foot ten. 180 lbs of him, say'n "Give me your biggest guy." He held his own with this guy who out weighted him by at least 60 lbs. Then the guys buddy said I'm going to get the gun and we didn't stick around for that. I mean who would.

So here's my point. Why act like an idiot. Trash talk is great, it makes the game better and exciting. Just don't act like a jerk. There is an old saying act like you've been there before. Serious fans don't be stupid and fight because your team is losing or another fan said your teams sucks. Get over it because your the one saying it back if you were winning. Also give the players some respect. Do you really need to yell at David Beckham because his wife is hot and your jealous? Act like you've been there before. Serious! I don't want to be at anymore of these events and see any of you act like the guy at the Cubs game throwing beers on the players.

Let me know what stories you have?

That's what is on my mind.

SIMSZEE

SLICK RICK!

I've been think'n about this topic all day, ever since I woke up and saw a text from my boy Joe Geeezzzy saying something about this guy having an abortion and I'm keep'n that clean Joe! Lol.

Anyway Rick Pitino. If you haven't heard about this story yet turn on the tube. Its all over the sports shows. Here's a little background. Rick Pitino is a college basketball coach at the University of Louisville. He's a very famous coach who has won a National Title and is known by plenty of people. He had sex with another woman at a restaurant and now she is trying to blow the horn on him. (That's a figure of speech). Come on guys lets keep on topic here. So, he meets this lady at a restaurant in 2003. Oh, did I mention the guy is married with five kids. Okay, so he meets this lady and she asked him to call her kids on the phone and give them some words of encouragement.

Let me tell you something. I've never been around Pitino but I'm going to say he's just not going to get on any ones phone.

The night goes on and the owner must love him because he gave Pitino the keys to lock up. I guess a few other members of the program where there and they heard them having sex on a table in the other room. The other members said they heard noises of people having a good time. Then the lady calls Pitino a few weeks later with"I'm Pregnant." So he gives her about $3000 cash. One expensive abortion? His lawyer claims it was for health insurance she needed to get so she could have the abortion. COME ON!

Now Pitino isn't on trial here, shes the one who has the charges against her. Shes being tried for extortion on trying to get $10 million out of him. It wasn't until a few months ago when they charged her did she claim rape. I mean seriously lady. You wait this long to say that?

Let me get off topic before I get back to my point about Slick Rick...

This is the second lady who has tried this after the fact crap. Kobe, Ben and now Rick Pitino. Kobe's accuser at least did the allegation in a timely manner. If you have a relationship with an athlete and he/she (politically correct) does something illegal you might want to report it RIGHT AWAY. Not wait years after when the economy is bad and you need money because your credit cards are maxed out. Now you remembered one time you had an encounter with a celebrity. You and your friends think its a good idea to try and get money out of them because they will just pay you off to be quite. I mean seriously. What if it goes to trial? What judge in there right mind is going to listen to this. Shoot! The lady in the Rothensberger case was called out about bragging to her colleagues. So dumb. You better get a good attorney to defend the suit you might have coming back at you like this lady.

Anyway, what I like to talk about is Pitino's contract. The guy makes close to $4 million a year. It states in his contract as possible causes for termination: "Employee's dishonesty with Employer or University; or acts of moral depravity," as well as "disparaging media publicity of a material nature that damages the good name and reputation of Employer or University." Thank you ESPN for that definition. Now, this guy goes out cheats on his wife and pretty much knocks up a lady. Yes we don't know for sure she was actually pregnant but its in our minds. If that isn't an act of moral depravity then the definition is messed up. This guy was the perfect basketball coach in the public eye.

If those are his grounds for termination they why is he still employed? If this lady wasn't being indicted for trying to extort $10 million dollars from him. It would be the classic he said she said case. Most of the time people will lose their job no matter the circumstances.

Example! Rick Neuheisel. He was fired from Washington University for betting in a NCAA office pool with his friends. Yes very serious crime! RIGHT! One crime I commit and so does everyone reading this every year. So they fire him for moral depravity because he brought a negative image toward his employer. Hmmm... seems to me that if my kid wanted to attend college with one of these coaches and knowing what I know about both of them, I would want him to be with someone who knows the real morals of life. Neuheisel bet on a college office pool got caught did his time and suffered for it. Man what a criminal. If he would have bet on his games yeah that maybe worse. But he knows what happened and only disrespect himself. Not his wife or kids or even the school. He made a bad judgement lucky it didn't hurt anyone in his family or someone else.

Pitino, who is married and a devoted Catholic cheated on his wife not once but twice with this lady. I mean do you want your kids going to a school to play basketball and learn to become men with a guy like that? I sure don't. Why are you married Rick? Yeah you made a mistake but he will carry this with him forever. Everyone is going to know he had an affair. Kobe still lives with it and I'm sure his wife makes him pay everyday. What the university is forgetting is the definition and they are trying to portray Pitino as the victim. This guy isn't innocent how many times has he done this? I'm guessing more then once. You cant fire one person for something and just because your program is winning you want to back your coach and not read the terms of the contract you wrote and had him sign.

The second part says disparaging media publicity. Now if this is shedding a positive light on the university I must be losing my mind. We need to hold these people accountable for there actions or there just going to keep getting away with it. This situation is a clear violation of his contract. Yeah he told the university what was going on and he told the truth great. Did he come right home after this happen six years ago and tell them? No! So what if he has a rough patch at home and sleeps on the couch a few night he needs more punishment then that. If you violate the drug policy in sports these days you get suspended or fined right? Its a breech of contract. Same thing with Neuheisel. He paid for it. So what is the difference? That she tried to take money from him and lied? Great, she should be punished for black male but he isn't innocent here and I think the University is forgetting the contract because they are blinded by winning and the money it brings to the university.

That's whats on my mind!

SIMSZEE

Thanks!

I want to thank all of you who read my first blog and sent the feed back to me through email or comments on the site. I really appreciate it. Please keep it up I need the criticism and praise. I like it. I will have some good stuff on this site. Ill post some of my old interview with athletes and people I have covered over my career. Ill do a few guest submissions. I know Joe will love this. The comments are the best i like to see what you guy have to say about what I'm talk'n about. Also yes I am a huge DETROIT fan so let the heckling begin!

Thanks Again! Keep Read'n!

E:60 Las Vegas' "Choose One"

I was watching E:60 last night about the next sports phenom 16 yr old Bryce Harper. The story starts off talking about Harper hitting a 570 foot home run. Yes the kid uses a aluminum bat but i mean come on that's pretty sick for a youngster. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated a few months back the with same caption as Lebron James had when he was on the cover at 16, "Chosen One." The kid can hit it a mile and was brought along by his father just like Tiger, and Andre Agassi.

One thing about this kid is I didn't like is when they talked about his education. He is actually taking this "Chosen One" thing a little to far. He dropped out of high school to get his GED and enrolled in a junior college. He can enter the draft at 17, but come on man. Are you serious? Get the diploma! Its two freak'n years. Baseball isn't going anywhere, your talent isn't going anywhere. This kid needs to enjoy life and be a kid because I don't want to see a Ryan Leaf or Todd Marinovich with this kid and it looks like it could happen.

Why would you leave high school buddy? Yeah, its great he has this opportunity now but hey, there are a lot of guys that play baseball and with all the drugs in the sport your going to be shown up. (That was a joke). I know the sport is clean now! phahaha! The story went on to talk about his critics and the pressure. I mean why put that pressure on yourself? If you really can't handle it. That's why you have four years of school to mature and adapt. Hey! I'll root for the kid but I just hate to see talent wasted because he was playing 170 games at 16 yrs old.

If you have ever had a conversation with Andre Agassi or seen an interview with him he always talks about when he got burned out and it almost killed his career. Those are things I hate to see with these awesome kids. Sure you have the rare kids like Tiger or A-Rod. But that's not always going to happen.

In closing, I have to say I do think the kid will be the top pick in the draft when he's eligible. I don't think dropping out of high school is the right thing to do. But hey I'm not this kid and if Scott Boras told me I'd get $10 million who knows what would happen. I do think college is a great thing but I would never deny someone at 18 and whose graduated from high school, should be eligible to play any professional sport. I don't agree with NFL or NBA age limits. If your out of school, you should be allowed to work, but this is taken a kid out of high school, that is where we have to draw the line.

That's what was on my mind!

SIMSZEE!

WELCOME

THIS IS MY FIRST BLOG. NEVER REALLY THOUGHT OF IT UNTIL I MET SOMEONE WHO DID IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS COOL... REALLY WASN'T INTERESTED IN IT BUT HEY WHY NOT. IVE BEEN INTO WRITING ABOUT SPORTS SINCE I WAS A FRESHMEN IN COLLEGE AND MY HOCKEY CAREER ENDED. I HAD TO TAKE A NEW PATH BECAUSE I REALIZED I WOULD NEVER PLAY DEFENSE FOR THE RED WINGS. I HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN A FEW MAGAZINES IN NEVADA AND ARIZONA AND HAVE HAD SOME REALLY COOL INTERVIEWS WITH PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.

I STARTED WRITING FOR THE SCHOOL PAPER AT UNLV. I GRADUATED AND KEPT TRYING TO FOLLOW MY DREAM BUT ITS HARD TO DO WHEN YOUR NOT PAYING THE BILLS. IVE HAD TO PUT THE WRITING ON THE SHELF FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS BUT I'M BACK NOW WITH THIS BLOG USING MY OLD COLUMN NAME FROM THE LAS VEGAS SPORTS MAGAZINE "OUT OF MIKES MIND." I HAVE DECIDED TO DO THIS BECAUSE ITS TIME TO GET BACK TO MY PASSION AND LET MY CRITICS, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND WHOMEVER READS THIS, HEAR WHAT I GOT TO SAY. ALSO LETS ME TALK SPORTS WITH MY BUDDIES BACK HOME WHO I CANT TALK TO OR SHOOT THE NEWS WITH IN PERSON.

HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY. ILL TRY TO DO THIS EVERY DAY BUT WE WILL SEE HOW LAZY I GET. SHOUT OUT TO VEGAS!!!!

SIMSZEE