I felt like Saban this Saturday

To my blog readers: I apologize I have been away for so long. But I am back...and I am fired up.

It was finally Ole Miss week and my schedule finally allowed me to sit my butt down on the couch and be consumed in every down of the game. And let's just say...it was the most stressful few hours I've had in a long time. I loved it, don't get me wrong. But woah.

Courtesy of: AL.com

From the first kick off, I was uneasy. What Bama fan wouldn't be? There was so much hype coming into this game regarding Ole Miss and their past two years of success against us. "Can they go for 3?" "No team has ever beaten Saban 3 consecutive years in a row." If that doesn't get your heart racing, I don't know what will.

Stupid mistakes. It was an entire first half of stupid, frustrating, down-right mistakes. That is why I felt like Saban this Saturday. The post-game conference Saban that we saw last Saturday. You know, the one when he said, "I don't know if I have ever been this disappointed after winning a game, maybe ever."

Yes, of course I am happy we won. But I am NOT happy about how we got there.

So let's recap, shall we?

1st Half:

Hurts overthrew to a WIDE OPEN Hentges in the end zone. I get it, it happens. But he was wide open, no stress there. Set yourself up, make the throw. And Hentges, you can be ready for a little overthrow...come on.

Courtesy of: AL.com

There were three, yes 3 false starts in too short a period of time. TWO of them being from Cam Robinson (74). I know, I am excited too, but KEEP YOURSELF STILL, MAN.

Ha this is a good one...its 3rd & 21 and they decide to run a RUNNING PLAY. Kiffin, OPEN YOUR EYES. Have you not been watching this 1st half? How many of your running plays have been successful thus far in this game? Exactly. Throw the damn ball when it's 3rd & 21...you know better.

Courtesy of: AL.com

And speaking of plays not going the way they should...I swear I thought for a while there we were going to continue to run more NEGATIVE yard plays than positive ones. Talk about becoming frustrated. It seriously felt like one mistake after another. Painful.

Ah, Hurts...the freshman... with seven minutes to go in the half, no one around you, you're going to let the ball just slip RIGHT OUT OF YOUR HANDS. I was speechless...You drew your arm back to set up for a beautiful Alabama throw, I was ready, but then, the ball just comes tumbling down...And by this point, there were so many mistakes in the game I was starting to really question whether or not you are ready. But then I reminded myself, Nick Saban is your coach. And well, I trust that man more than anything. So fine. I'll let it go...this time.

Maybe it was the hurry-up offense that Ole Miss was running all day long. Did that make you boys shake in your boots? I mean I don't blame you...but why don't we start matching that. (This is the ONLY time I will give props to Ole Miss: That hurry-up offense was quite beautiful, I cannot tell a lie).

So now we have the largest deficient since the 2009 Sugar Bowl against Utah, clock reads 1:05 until the half and then finally, the Rebels' punt was returned 85 yards for an Alabama touchdown. Thank you, Eddie Jackson for giving some bit of hope before returning to the locker room.

14 points scored in 65 seconds...well, it sure did take them long enough.

24-17 Ole Miss up at the half, and Saban says what we are all thinking: we are not playing with poise and we need to execute better in the second half.

2nd Half

So now the second half comes around, and I will admit, I don't have all too much to say. The big story here was the 1st half. But, our boys returned from that locker room and I think they pulled on a new identity...the one that reminded them that they play for the Crimson Tide of Alabama and they better start acting like it. That is when the touchdowns, fumble recoveries, and interceptions started to show up. Did my blood pressure settle? Ha, you wish. But was I happier? Did I have more hope in us making up for the nasty 1st half mistakes? Yes. And at the end of the day, we were able to put Chad Kelly and the rest of the Rebels back where they belong: on the bottom of the scoreboard. 

Courtesy of: AL.com

Now let's have a week of good practices, reflections on those mistakes, and let's keep our attitudes in check when we take the field against Kent State next weekend. Got it? Good. 

Roll Tide.

Coming Out of Retirement Isn't Easy

Coming out of retirement isn't easy. Now, I am not talking about the kind Brett Favre or Michael Phelps pulled on us. I am talking about the kind where you come out of retirement to start the next chapter of your life...

I am coming out of retirement and I sometimes find that I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself anymore.

Let me explain.

I have been a student-athlete since elementary school. It has been my lifestyle since day one: sweat in the classroom and on the track. I put all my energy into being the best student I could possibly be, while giving my sport all the guts and glory I had to offer.

Well, as of May 2016, those days are behind me. I no longer have the title of student-athlete: the name tag I wore with the utmost pride. And now I am left looking around in confusion...

This is very difficult for me to admit, to write about, and share with all of you. But it's something I need to do. *Warning: this post is going to get personal.

Since as far as I can remember, I have always been the girl who had 5 million things on her plate and somehow accomplished them all. There was never a summer where I wasn't working (sometimes multiple jobs) and being OCD about getting my workouts in (and done to a T).

But that was just the girl I was. It was the lifestyle I best identified with. It was the lifestyle that I thrived in.

Fast forward to the present: Summer 2016.

My few months of relaxation, recovering from being a DI athlete, and finally giving myself a break, has come to an end. It is time to get my butt back into gear...and it hasn't been easy.

I am coming out of retirement and I sometimes find that I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself anymore...when coming out of retirement means finding your way back to yourself.

No, I haven't been working this summer. I was focused on spending time with my family: time that I have missed out on over the past 4 years. I was also focused on making connections in the field of broadcasting: shooting for the moon in the job search and seeing where I would land (but that's a whole other conversation we won't get into).

As far as running, it's almost as if I want nothing to do with the physical act. I don't know if it's because I put so much pressure on myself about times to hit and distances to achieve...but I find myself going out for a run and coming back disappointed in what I "accomplished."

But did I try? Did I lace up my sneakers and take those first steps to leave the house behind me? Yes, I did. And that right there should be enough. But it's not.

I am coming out of retirement and I sometimes find that I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself anymore.

Because, you see, once you are an athlete, it's something that doesn't leave your bloodstream. I will always be hard on myself...that is never going to change.

But what I need to do, what I need to start focusing on is running for myself. I am not reporting times back to my coach and I am not on anyone else's schedule. This is my time. My workouts. That is what I need to remind myself...but I am just not there yet.

So I guess what I am trying to say is Summer 2016 has been a challenge. And for anyone who has experienced the transition from being a collegiate athlete to entering the "real world," you know what I am talking about.

I am coming out of retirement and I sometimes find that I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself anymore.

If you are coming up on your year when you are about experience this transition, athlete or not, I want you to know what I didn't know: It's hard. I won't lie about that. This transition is something you've never experienced before in your life. It's a million new things, all taking place at once. And you may start to feel like you are losing your own identity.

But this is what I don't want you to do: I don't want you to get caught up in it like I did. Look in the mirror and see yourself for who you are.

Embrace this new chapter in your life. Embrace the time you get to become someone you've never been before. Just because you may not recognize yourself doesn't mean you are gone. Your old characteristics are still there, trust me.

But if you are like me and you're struggling to find yourself, don't give up. Don't be gloomy about the situation. Take a deep breath, look in the mirror, and accept the fact that this is what it means to come out of retirement.

It has taken me a while to get here (not that I am sure that I am here yet). But I am trying. With every "....but I'm fine" statement I make to people, I try my best to start believing it.

I am coming out of retirement and I am realizing this isn't the end...it's just the beginning and it's time to find myself again.

What it means to be a Role Model

What a week it has been with the Olympics. If you are anything like me, it has been extremely hard to keep your eyes off the screen. Between questioning whether or not Phelps is human, to being blown away by Simone Biles, the action has been non-stop and top-notch excitement.

There also have been many "aww"-evoking moments. And the one I would like to talk about is the relationship between Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Twelve years separate them in age, but the sport of swimming continues to bring them closer. Ledecky always looked up to Phelps during her early years and to think she would now see her last name on the same headline as his must feel so unreal. Phelps has even voiced in post-race interviews how stunned he is by Ledecky's performances.

Now, ten years after little Ledecky got Michael Phelps' autograph, it was his turn to get hers. So as we all smile, laugh, and "aww" over the recent "recreation photograph" that was taken, we have to look at the bigger message here: What it means to be a role model.

As an athlete, you are constantly setting goals for yourself. While your workouts, your coach's master plans, and your everyday hard work are all factors in helping you reach those goals, it's when you have an example that has already been set for you that keeps the fire alive. An example of how to succeed and be tough, the type of athlete who is going to inspire you on your worst days and your best days; those athletes then become one of the best factors that help you achieve greatness.

They are able to say: "Hey, look what I did." So then, in turn, you can say, "Hey look, I can do it too."

That is why it is so important for athletes to remember that they are constantly setting an example, good or bad. Athletes do so much more than make a lot of money (sometimes) and play a sport, all while putting on entertainment for America. And that can easily be forgotten. But as an athlete yourself, those are rarely ever the things you are thinking about when you look up to these individuals.

And now more than ever, it is easier to look up to certain athletes. For example, during my last season our coach wanted each event group to start following a professional runner (who runs our event) on any and all social media outlets. So we did. And I began following Brenda Martinez. Who knew that seeing a post here and there would be the perfect reminder to continue to push myself, to reach for that next step, and to achieve success...because it's out there (even if I didn't believe it).

And it's more than just a social media relationship, you become invested in these athletes. So when their Olympic dreams don't turn out as planned, you are right there in heartbreak with them...and that is what makes the world of sport so incredible.

So I just hope these athletes remember that they have a million little eyes gazing up at them saying, "One day I want to be just like _____." Because for me, the biggest reward as an athlete is to inspire the next generation to be the best they can be. I hope every day that I left my team knowing that it's an honor to be an athlete, and to never take that for granted.

One of my favorite questions as a little kid was, "Who is your favorite baseball player?" And I would answer without hesitation: Derek Jeter. Why? Sure he was young and cute and A YANKEE. But come on. He was the one athlete who showed me from the very beginning what it meant to work hard, stay humble, and be a team player. So throughout my 14 or so years of athletics, serious athletics, what do you think I did?

I worked hard. I stayed humble. And I was always a team player.

Time To Get Pumped Up

It's time to get excited, ladies & gentlemen. SEC Football. Is. Back.

No Argument for A-Rod

I just need to put this one to rest right now.

Courtesy of www.gannett-cdn.com

Alex Rodriguez should never be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Not now. Not ever. Why? You know it. I know it. The world of baseball knows it.

This will be one of my shortest blogs because there is no argument here.

How are you going to differentiate what he accomplished during his career while he was clean verses when he was drugged up?

You can't. 

The guy did drugs. That will never be Hall of Fame-worthy.

End of story.

Can't Tame the Tiger

Last night, Michael Phelps did something I think we've all been waiting for: he shut-up Chad Le Clos.

We all know the fury inside Phelps ignited back in London in 2012 when Le Clos snatched the gold from him in the race that should just be named after Phelps by now -- 200m Fly. But all hope was lost when Phelps announced his retirement. That was it. Over. No second chance...Until in April 2014 when Alexa Paige's 2012 plea-Tweet finally came true:

Yes. He came back for the biggest splash yet: Payback.

Through the years leading up to the Rio Olympics, there was a little bit of back and forth with who swam faster and when (not against each other, of course). Phelps made ton of mistakes, followed by doing a ton of growing up, while Le Clos, and his father simply grew cockier. 

.@MichaelPhelps is not impressed with Chad le Clos's antics.

For more swimming coverage: https://t.co/Bpy94WsMrM https://t.co/ylAYZgHm1h

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2016

Chad, haven't you learned to not fire-up Phelps? Well, you learned last night didn't you?

I was on the edge of my seat during the 200m Butterfly, right there with the rest of America. But was anyone else worried about Masato Sakai like I was? Just inches from the wall and I was having horrific flashbacks to 2012 and could barely watch as the men finally touched the wall: seconds feeling like hours. 

But when all was said and done, I could breathe and Phelps finally received the gold medal he deserved. Come on, you know I am right. And before I go, let's talk about that medal ceremony, shall we?

Michael took the podium, was given his medal, now cue the national anthem...

Courtesy of www.SI.com

You could see emotions completely taking over Phelps' facial expressions, even tears beginning to fill his eyes. But then, right towards the end of the anthem, he begins to laugh. At first, I was like, "Okay, he is just so overwhelmed, can't control his tears, and now he can't help but laugh about it." Then I started to realize this was not the case. He was down-right, full-on laughing. He even capped off the anthem by pointing to the stands.

So of course I was curious and had to investigate...

Turns out, Phelps had some buddies from Baltimore in the stands and they did exactly what they would do at an Orioles game...shout "O!" during that part of the anthem. Cute, right? And can you blame Phelps? The guy just won the race of his life (if you ask me), he's on the podium crying, then he sees some of his best buds from Baltimore and New York right there in the stands...in Rio. I am not making excuses. Don't get me wrong, I am not very happy about this...definitely not the most classiest thing you could've done, Michael.

But still, talk about a powerful night.

How much more heartbreak can a Yankees fan endure?

If you are a Yankees fan, it has been a pretty rough week if you ask me. First, we had all the commotion down to the final minutes of the trade deadline last Monday. Then to end the week, Mark Teixeira broke all our hearts by announcing his retirement from the game of baseball. And then, sitting at the Sunday morning breakfast table, Alex Rodriguez goes and announces his retirement. I am out of breath just typing all of that.

So where do I begin? Teixeria, you will be missed. There is no doubt about that. However, do I blame you? You've been having a subpar season, riddled many injuries (especially now, close to what we hope will be a post-season), and well, you are 36-years-old. Unfortunately, in baseball years, that is almost extinct, almost.

Courtesy of www.bronxbaseballdaily.com

Your poise, your adorable face, and of course that perfect final out in 2009, will be hard to say goodbye to. I'm just happy that we don't have to do that until the end of the Yankees 2016 season (whenever that may be). Unlike your other teammate...

Can we talk about this for a second?

As you all probably know by now, and you better unless you live under a rock, Alex Rodriguez will play his final game of his career this Friday. That's right, this Friday night in the Bronx, A-Rod will step up to bat one final time, will make an out one final time (hopefully), and will call himself a Yankee one final time.

And as for the rest of the games this week? Yeah, still to be determined how many times we will see A-Rod on the field...a little weird, right? I mean he even said it himself when asked about being benched: "painful and embarrassing." YA THINK?

After Friday, Alex Rodriguez will automatically take on a new role: Yankees Advisor. So he may not be taking the field for the rest of the season, but he will still be with the team...could this be because we agreed to pay him, oh I don't know, a couple million or twenty? *cue eye roll*

Enough about that, even though there is still so much to be said.

Courtesy of www.outsidepitchmlb.com

What I would like to wrap it up with today is not just the fact that I am going to be making name tags for the new team next year, because face it, we aren't going to know anyone. But I would like to end with the phone interview Mark Teixeria had with Mike & Mike this morning. After talking about his mark on baseball and the 2009 World Series final out, he, of course, was asked about his teammate's news bomb.

And what he said was something I will never forget:

"I told my boys [his sons] this morning: 'Listen, guys, just because your friends make mistakes doesn't mean you turn your backs from them...' You know when people talk about Alex Rodriguez and me, Alex has been my friend for a long time and he's made mistakes but I am not going to turn my back on him and I am going to continue to support him. Because he is a great teammate and he loves the game of baseball and deep down in there he cares about people, he really does. And I know this is a tough time for him so we are going to be there for him."

*wipes tears*

Nick Saban trying to out-smart Smart?

On June 16, Maurice Smith walked into Nick Saban's office and began the story that is making headlines this week. Smith told Saban he had decided to transfer in order to get more field time, and can you blame him? Well, apparently Coach Saban has a huge problem with this. However, legally he can't have a problem with it.

First of all, the basics: the cornerback from Sugar Land, TX happens to be graduating from UA this weekend. Correct, Saturday's ceremony will mark the start of his graduate status. So if Saban is throwing out SEC rules, so will I. I read it, and you can too. Directly from the SEC bylaws:

14.5.5.1 Transferring within the Southeastern Conference. A transfer student from a member institution shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition at another member institution until the student has fulfilled a residence requirement of one full academic year (two full semesters) at the certifying institution. 

Okay, that's fine. I understand that. But guess what, Smith will be a graduate student once he walks across that stage this weekend. So technically he is not a transfer student. He's a new graduate student. Am I right? 

14.5.5.6.1.1 Graduated Student Exception. A student-athlete who has earned a baccalaureate degree shall be exempt from the annual limits in SEC Bylaw 14.3.2.1 (c) (below):

(c) There shall be an annual limit on the number of student-athletes who are non-qualifiers and who may become eligible after their freshman year for athletically-related financial aid, practice, and competition, whether such student-athletes are enrolled as freshmen or as 4-4 transfer students. 

I am no lawyer, but it looks to me like there really aren't any limits here. But then again they are bylaws, and bylaws are always confusing. So forgive me if I am wrong. But come on...I think we all know the only real limits here are coming from Saban's sour attitude. Because did I fail to mention where Maurice Smith is looking to go? 

Courtsey of www.al.com

That's right. Smith is looking to become a Bulldog and rekindle his relationship with former UA assistant coach, Kirby Smart . Again, can you blame him? No athlete is actually close with the head coach. You have much more interaction with the assistant coaches because they are the ones who are overseeing your area of work on the field. They might be labeled as "assistants" but it sure as heck feels like they're your head coaches, trust me. 

The situation we have here is an athlete who wants to actually play during the season and would like to do so with a coach that he admires. I really don't see this as a crime.

So can anyone explain to me why Maurice Smith walked into the locker room, the day after he spoke to Saban back in June, and found all his personal belongings in the trash? That's right, I said trash. And on top of that (or should I say bottom?) he was banned from using the athletic facility. 

This simply makes no sense to me. No actions had been taken yet. The only action was Smith following protocol when he asked Saban for "permission to contact." He could have gone behind Saban's back, trust me, it's been done before. 

I really hope Saban speaks up soon because I really don't want this drama when I should only have excitement for camp to start next week.

Oh, and I'm sorry, but does anyone remember Chris Black from earlier this year? (Yeah me neither, so let me fill you in). He graduated from Alabama and wanted to transfer to an SEC school, Missouri. Sound familiar? And he did. Successfully. With no problems. Hmm...If I was Samyra Smith, this would be my favorite argument, too.

And if this doesn't hit the feels, I don't know what does. Saban, give this a read and just let the kid go: "Please do not punish my success and instead reward the efforts of discipline, and determination that UA requires in all of their student-athletes to succeed,” Smith wrote.

How do we feel about Phelps?

So as you all probably know by now, it was announced this morning that 22-time medal winner, Michael Phelps has been given the honor of carrying the American Flag during the Rio Opening Ceremony. And in fact, this will be Phelps' first Olympic opening ceremony he has ever attended. So why is the ex-druggie, opening ceremony skipper our flagbearer?

Courtesy of www.people.com

This is an interesting post for me to write because once upon a time Michael Phelps was little Alexa Paige's favorite athlete. "He's so good! He's so cute." He was hands down my favorite guy to look up to (besides Derek Jeter, of course) and when he announced his retirement in 2012, I am pretty sure I was shedding a tear or two right before his hand touched that pool wall for the "last time." Oh, Alexa. I was begging him to pull a Brett Favre and come back in due time...well, clearly my wish was granted.

Before we get into the controversial stuff, let's address the fact that Phelps has not been to an opening ceremony. Turns out, I will be the first one to stand up for him on this one. "You’re on your legs for like six or seven hours and it’s a long night," he [Phelps] told NBC. And that is the last thing you want to do when your event is just hours following the next morning.

Trust me, I can recall numerous times my teammates and I would beg our coaches to return to the hotel room if two-day track meets ended up going past 9 P.M. We valued our sleep, especially when we had to get up the next morning at 7 A.M. and give our peak performances. Again, I am comparing Olympic athletes to DI athletes, but still. I can relate. Don't even get me started with their housing accommodations in Rio right now.

My point is, the only one who should be upset about missing the ceremony is Michael himself.

But I also know what you are all thinking, as I am thinking the same myself. Michael Phelps has gotten into a lot of trouble over the years, to the point of nearly being stripped of his medals. So why is he so honorable to carry our flag? Yes, he has really cleaned himself up over the years, in many ways (i.e. he now has a family, reconciled with his own father, etc.) No, what he has done is still not excusable.

Courtesy of www.emaze.com

But let us recall that at the end of the day he is the most decorated Olympian. That right there says a lot. The guy is more relaxed than I think he has ever been in his entire life. And for an athlete, that is a huge deal. So I think it is time that Michael enjoys himself at one of the most top-charting events an athlete can be a part of. He has always been a role model, not the best one at times. But he has shown us what it means to be a dedicated athlete, to mess up big time, and what it takes to clean yourself up and create your own Act 2.

So let the show begin, and may you carry that flag with a smile on your face, Mr. Phelps.

Procrastination 101: Taught by the New York Yankees themselves

Courtesy of Alexa Paige:
All that I could manage to write on my headline board over the weekend

Let's take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we? Remember back when you were in college and you knew you had tons of work to do. Meanwhile, you still chose to hit the bar with your buddies on a Thursday night because you were the King of Procrastination. Then when you came stumbling home at 2 A.M. it suddenly became the perfect time to start your 10+ page research paper that was due the next day. You send it off to the professor with a smile on your face, proud of your "finest" work.

Well, I am pretty sure this is exactly what the Yankees' front office did this weekend. Went out drinking, blew off some steam, and then suddenly remembered the trade deadline was two short days away. So what did they do? Naturally, they decided it was the perfect time to start making trades...trades that would make jaws drop as the ESPN ringtone resounded from cell phones nonstop on Sunday morning.

"I'm still trying to get over the fact that we traded the best of the best," Betances said (ESPN). 

Me too, man...me too.

It first started with the Aroldis Chapman trade last week, but we know this. I'm over it...really. But now Betances, myself, and the rest of the Yankee community are shaking our heads over the Andrew Miller trade. When you have a relief pitcher with a 1.39 ERA and nine saves for your team thus far in the 2016 season, you can't help but beg the question: what did he do wrong?

Now, of course, there is all this talk about the four, yes four, prospects that the Yankees picked up in the trade: Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller, and J.P. Feyereisen. Everyone is all excited and on their high horses because they are young, fresh, and ready to turn this struggling team around. But they are coming from the minor leagues, IN AUGUST.

Don't get me wrong. I know the Yankees are struggling and are acting on behalf of a desperate plea right now. I know we need this. I just don't agree that we needed to do this IN AUGUST, just to try and salvage the hopes of our post-season.

The Yankees are already knee-deep in the mud. You can call on a miracle, but don't think you received it in the form of four men from the minor leagues. This also brings up the point that I don't fully agree with this whole mid-season trade nonsense anyway. You're trading a player to suddenly be sent off to a different team with three, maybe three and a half months to play if he's lucky? Sure, the first baseman will still be playing first base like he knows how. He will still catch the ball, throw the ball, and tag the base like he has been doing all season.

Call me crazy, but there is something to say about team dynamic. And when you do a mid-season trade like this, you can kiss any such thing goodbye. The game is more than just talent; it's about how well everyone works together, on and off the field. That is what is going to take a team from good to great.

So I guess what I am saying is good luck, Yanks. I hope these newly acquired "angels" of yours just meld perfectly into the mold you have created over the past four months. And I know McCann, Beltran, and Nova are all on your radar as well...don't even think about it.

Oh and back to that term paper you handed in. How did that grade turn out? Exactly.

And just like that, hearts were mended in the Mid-West

So remember that really sad post I had to write last week? Pleading Fitzpatrick to come out of hiding for everyone's sake, but mainly for teammate and best friend, Brandon Marshall...

Well my friends, we can all wipe our tears now.

That's right, look who finally paid a visit, ending their almost frightening silence. Thank you, Fitzpatrick. Now perhaps Marshall can get some much deserved sleep before the start of training camp. Because you know Fitz...some of your teammates are actually on top of it and show up to their responsibilities...

Yup, you're still not off the hook with me. So how about you pay your next visit to Florham Park, N.J.? Thanks.

"I just Gold-Gloved you." - Alcides Escobar "Yeah? Well I have one too. Watch." - Andrelton Simmons

Sometimes, there are just some really crazy-great plays that have to be shared. And when it happens in the same game, from two Gold Glove MLB players, it truly must be shared:

Gordon's sin have been forgiven

Guess who's back? Cleveland Browns' WR, Josh Gordon. That's right, the guy who just served a 1-year suspension for multiple drug violations. *pause for applause*

(Let me take a trip down memory lane real quick. On July 5, 2014, Gordon was arrested for driving while impaired, speeding through Raleigh, N.C. And don't forget back in 2013 when he was suspended for the first two games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy...sheesh, man!)

Courtesy of cbssports.com

The league's reinstatement has come with some restrictions, however. Gordon will not be taking the gridiron until he serves a four-game suspension; officially allowing his season to begin on Oct. 3. So it's not automatic freedom right away. Good. Make him sit on the sidelines and face what he could be doing. Afterall, you can't be forgiven of your sins before you complete some reconciliation.

I mean it's only four games, right? Ask our friend Tom Brady who handled a four-game suspension with such poise. No big deal, right buddy?

Moving on...the league has allowed Gordon some freedom as well. Gordon will be allowed to take part in training camp (which started this week), meetings, conditioning, etc. Now this was generous and comes with a great advantage; cause in my eyes, this will provide Gordon with a smooth transition. It will give him exposure and interaction with the team, giving him a jumpstart on making up for lost time.

But am I getting ahead of myself? Let's remember just because the league reinstated him doesn't mean the Browns want him back. Although, yes. Most signs are pointing towards a welcome back party. Fellow teammate, Joe Haden (DB) took to Twitter with much excitement following the good news:

Courtesy of espn.com

Welcome back, Josh Gordon. Try not to mess it up this time.

Cashman's decision on Chapman and the future

Okay, so yesterday I was way too angry to write this post. Thankfully, I have calmed down. And considering it made part of the USA Today front page that was thrown onto my front porch this morning, we need to talk about it: the Aroldis Chapman trade.

Courtesy of nypost.com

So we have known for weeks that the New York Yankees have been back and forth on whether or not they want to be buyers or sellers in the non-waiver trade, whose deadline is quickly approaching, might I add. And while the Chapman trade has still not determined what they will do next, it sure has made Brian Cashman one happy man.

You should've heard him this morning on Mike & Mike. The guy sounded like he was walking on cloud nine. He claims he is in "hunter and gathering mode" as he is trying to do what is best for the Yankees franchise. And what exactly does that look like you ask? "Executing my job description," said Cashman.

Right, so what does that look like? Well, thankfully it sounds like he will be doing lots of homework this week as he will be spending his time gathering information on what is available in the market and what kind of price tag it comes with.

Then Mike & Mike brought up a dreadful topic for a Yankees fan like me who cringes anytime there is a change made: the "rebuilding mode." A mode that Mike & Mike flat out said, "the fans won't allow it." And that right there is why this topic is so difficult for me, for us. We hate change! We like our men, for the most part, and its hard to see that uproot. But the harsh reality? We need it. If we want any chance of a post-season, ever, we need it.

It was Cashman's trip down memory lane that really put things into perspective. He discussed starting out with the Yankees in 1986 as an intern and how they were, in fact, going through a rebuilding period. From 1982 to their first playoff appearance in 1995, the Yankees struggled with finding their way back to the top, including feeling like "second-class citizens to the Mets" during the 80s. Yuck.

So what did they do? They spent time signing and drafting, national and international, and built what we look back on today and long for. May I remind you: 1996, World Series Champs...1997 just short of claiming AL division series...1998 World Series Champs...1999 World Series Champs...2000 World Series Champs.

So you see, it might be scary to think about, but the front office actually knows what they are doing. Cashman really drove this point home when he said: "I think we are always trying to do right by the future, as well as try to win in the present." They are not going to just spring all these changes at once. No one can afford that; financially or realistically. Change doesn't happen overnight. Building a dynasty doesn't happen overnight (see above paragraph).

So we need to continue to stay patient. Let the man do his job. And take it one game at a time.

And may we not forget, Aroldis Chapman is a free agent. We will see you again in no time, buddy.

Data Chips? No, thank you. Pass the Potato Chips.

Well coming off of my last post and my frustration with the MLB, I think I am finally ready to share my feelings about the NFL and their damn data chips.

Courtesy of Forbes.com

Do you want to know one of my favorite parts about watching a football game? Well, I am going to tell you anyway. It's when the ref places the ball down on the grass (or turf) and for the next 15-seconds or so everyone's heart is pounding as they bring out the chains. It's time to measure. And right then and there, it feels like time stops. Will they get the first down? Or will they have to punt?

Well, if the NFL starts using these data chips, you can kiss that sweet moment goodbye. That's right, it's all digital now. There's no waiting, just instant results. And all the results. And more. More results that you could possibly. Ever. Want....Great. More stats.*cue eye-roll*

I just made this argument about the MLB. Now, why does the NFL have to also go and be the bad guy and try to do the same thing by taking away the little moments that keep us coming back every Sunday?

And of course, there is always a future plan. The NFL hopes the results from the data chips will provide such precise information that can lead to further discussion on hot topics such as goalpost positions. You heard me. The NFL wants to be able to use this information as their catalyst to allow them to press "go" on narrowing goalposts. Turns out the NFL actually hates when players make a field goal and want to decrease their chances as much as possible...

I am kidding. But do you hear how ridiculous this all sounds?! Leave the game alone. Enough about data chips, pass the potato chips and let's keep enjoying football the way it should be played: without all this fancy technology.

Leave the Game Alone

For the past however many years you've been watching sports, you have loved the game for what it is, right? If you are anything like me, you go baseball games to hang out in the sun, drink something cold, eat a hot dog, and yell "CHARGE"...and you enjoy it. And the best part? After just three hours you return home in a much better mood than when you left.

But now, in the year 2016 when our attention spans are an average of seven seconds, everyone suddenly thinks changes need to be made to keep us interested and invested in the game. Specifically, the MLB.

That's right, they have been looking into potential rule changes when it comes to pitchers. One: a 20-second pitch clock. Two: altering the use of relief pitchers. Why? To speed the game up and keep the fans' attention. Really? You are trying to shorten something we use as an escape, an enjoyment. You think because it's a slow game we are going to lose interest. It's baseball. We know it's slow and thank you, but that's why some of us enjoy it.

Courtesy of Foxsports.com

Oh but it doesn't stop there. Commissioner of baseball, Rob Manfred said in an interview with WFAN's Chris Carlin and Kim Jones: "Our relievers now are so good that they actually make the back end of the game — seven, eight and nine — with less action in it. And when you think about keeping people engaged, you've got to ask yourself, 'Is this a good thing for the game?'"

You must be kidding me. It's the eighth inning, you just assume I am no longer going to be INVESTED by this point because the pitchers are "so good?" Well if I'm not, then shame on me. I must not be a true fan and I don't deserve to sit in those seats. Forget that, I wouldn't even be watching in the first place!

Clearly, I think it's bogus for the MLB to even consider changing the rules simply to stay "up to date" with the times. Hey, even Pete Rose is on my side and doesn't "believe in changing rules." I almost jumped for joy this morning when he was on Fox Sports Radio discussing the subject. "Why is everyone in a rush? Other sports take time!" he said. That's right, Pete! You tell 'em.

We all know our generation and generations to come are doomed for our endless multi-tasking and simple boredom. But this is baseball we are talking about. Baseball. Leave the game alone.

"When baseball is no longer fun, it's no longer a game." - Joe DiMaggio

The ESPYS: the night there wasn't a dry eye in the room

So I know I am a week late, but I can't not write about the ESPYS.

First, some unnecessary business that's not worth anyone's time: John Cena. ESPN, what were you thinking? The man was painfully unfunny. It was like every time he opened his mouth we were set up for yet another forced, failed joke. He just seemed all around uncomfortable, which made me as a viewer feel uncomfortable (don't get me started with his inappropriate comments).

I think the only thing he got right was about the second line of his opening monologue and mind you, it wasn't even his words: "Jimmy V once said, 'you have a great day if you can think, if you can cry, if you can laugh.' That's what I love about this program because tonight we are going to do all three." ...and boy was he right.

There are so many things about the awards show so I could sit here and debrief: the serious call to action opening, Breanna Stewart's miserable plea for equality, and of course Craig Sager accepting the Jimmy V Award for perseverance. But I will surrender and choose one.

The Icon Award.

Courtesy of www.denverbroncos.com

Three athletes. Three amazing careers. One special award.

I don't know if my emotions were running high because my own retirement was only months ago, but there was not an inch on my body that did not have goose bumps covering it. Yeah, I know, two totally different levels: DI athlete vs. professional. But I could relate, ok?

Peyton Manning: not too shabby to hang up his cleats after claiming a Super Bowl title, huh? Well now he is looking at the field a bit differently and can't wait to enjoy being a fan again. "Sports would be nothing without the fans," he said. Hey, thanks Peyton! Call me anytime this season, I wouldn't mind being field-side with you to watch some Broncos touchdowns.

Abby Wambach: it seemed to be the theme of the night for athletes to use their acceptance platform to send a message of change. But Abby did it in such a beautiful way. She summed up her career proud that she is leaving the game better than she found it. She always wanted her identity to be more than just the sport and she found that in the progress our country has made with gender equality in sport. Yes girl, yes.

Kobe Bryant: now this is a man after my own heart. Just because his athletic career might be over, doesn't mean he is done with the world of sport. First of all, can we applaud him for saying "We will never be retired." How cool was that? But he means it. He is ready to fill his time off the court inspiring the next generation to do what he was taught to do: "to never rest in the middle." But the best was his adorable sarcasm claiming he "likes to do things differently." That's right, it wasn't a Super Bowl season, it wasn't even a World Cup title season. It was 17 for 65 season. But to Kobe, it was bold. *Pause for laughter*

Do I agree with the Best Team recipient being the Cavs? No. Nor the Best Male Athlete award for that matter...But all in all, it was another great night by ESPN. So thank you, ESPN. Thank you for reminding us that there is something out there that keeps us fighting, cheering, and never giving up. Craig Sager captured it all: "If I missed the game, it means I'm losing the battle."

May sport continue to keep us connected and keep us stronger than we believe.

The coolest Home Run Derby we all missed

So if you are anything like me, you got swept up in the MLB All-Star week; whether you were taking a break from your team who just keeps aggravating you more and more each week, or the kind of fan who would not miss a minute. Then the week was over and the baseball we all know and love was back in action. Meanwhile, we were cracking beers and celebrating while we all missed something pretty spectacular: The Northwoods League Home Run Derby.

"Who cares about all-star collegiate athletes during the summer break?" you may ask. Well bite your tongue and feast your eyes:

Courtesy of herealink.com

Have you ever seen anything so cool in your life? That's right, they are hosting a home run derby ON Lake Michigan. Buoy lines imitating what a ball park home run would be, fans enjoying the day by the water, and fireworks to wrap up the night has me adding this event to my bucket list. Marty Bechina, a freshman out of Michigan State, member of the Kenosha Kingfish, took the home the title.

I don't know about you, but it looks like the MLB needs to step up its game.

NWL HR Derby last night into Lake Michigan! Awesome atmosphere. Hosting @KenoshaKingfish Marty Bechina wins it! pic.twitter.com/Rh02IZPGN0

— Sawyer Gieseke (@sawyergieseke) July 19, 2016

An A-Bomb no longer just for A-Rod

Okay, so I am a Yankees fan. But that is not the reason I am writing this post. And anyone who is even the slightest baseball fan and has heard anything about last night's game would agree it was post-worthy.

Courtesy of CNN.com

Obviously there were two major moments for the Yankees in last night's contest against the Orioles. Starting off with the bomb in the bottom of the second. That's right, I am talking about the A-bomb from A-Rod. After 51 at-bats without a home run, Alex Rodriguez sent his drought sailing, 440ft to be exact. This helped close his gap in his chase to 700, claiming his 696th HR last night. It was like having the old A-Rod back at bat: smashing a fast ball and rounding the bases with class, blowing his pink bubble gum until reaching home.

But it didn't stop there. Later on in the top of the ninth, Aroldis Chapman was .1 mph from rewriting history books. He tied his own MLB record with a 105.0 MPH pitch to J.J. Hardy. Maybe last night's performance will help make Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner start seeing eye to eye as the non-waiver trade deadline quickly approaches? Yeah, probably not.

Since I brought it up, I guess there is something in the New York water that is causing everyone to not want to make decisions. I think we can all agree that the Yankees' post-All-Star break schedule is a grueling one, and might determine whether or not they decide to be buyers or sellers come August 1. Currently Chapman and teammate Carlos Beltran are both on the potential chopping block and the clock is ticking. Trust me, I understand at this point we don't want to do anything that would repeat last year's humiliation: earning the Wildcard just to waste it. But then again, I like these guys, and they are starting to prove themselves...just a little too late.


The gasps never get old.

Hello, Fitzpatrick...are you there?

Dear Ryan Fitzpatrick,

Courtesy of Foxsports.com

Did you know veterans report to Jets training camp in just nine days? Did you know we are all waiting for you to make one very important decision?

It's kind of a big deal and you haven't spoken a word. You even have teammate Brandon Marshall pretty concerned. Yeah, I am talking about those three texts you have let go unanswered. Come on man, you guys talk every week. Not cool.

So if you could, pick up your phone I know you have sitting next to you and just give Coach Bowles a quick call. Oh, and text Marshall back while you're at it.

Thanks,
All Football Fans in America, especially your Jets family.

Taking the Good with the Bad

Los Angeles Ram's wide receiver, Stedman Bailey, will be putting on a different uniform this season, trading in his helmet for a whistle. After suffering two gun shot wounds to the head last November, the All-American has decided to take more time to recover and will be doing so as a student assistant coach at his alma mater, West Virginia University. 

Courtesy of Foxsports.com

In between practices, Bailey will be studying more than just plays, as he heads back to the classroom to finish his bachelor's degree. Rams head coach, Jeff Fisher provided encouragement in a recent statement: "We couldn't be happier for Stedman and this opportunity he has to complete his degree and join West Virginia's coaching staff."

We rarely see athletes having patience when it comes to injury recovery. Coming from personal experience, I know my first question in the doctor's office was always, "So when can I return to the track?"

This is a refreshing change of pace and I applaud Stedman for taking the good with the bad. He has said numerous times his NFL career is not over. By taking this break, and finishing something he once started, will only make him a better athlete in the long run. 

And how about the example is he setting? Football injuries, in particular, have been making more and more headlines over the past year with a growing concern about the dangerous sport. So now we see a football player making the decision to sideline himself a little bit longer to be as healthy as possible before returning to his rough sport. 

With all the recent gun violence in the news, we finally can take a breath and thank Stedman Bailey for showing us that sometimes bad things happen to us, but they don't all have to mean there is a dead end.

Saban shuts the door during SEC Media Day

We all know Coach Saban is the last person you want to stand in front of when getting punished. He's like the strict dad who you don't want to face after you put a baseball through your neighbor's window. However, at the end of the day, Coach Saban has rolled the tide to 4 national championships since taking the title of head coach in 2007. So he must be doing something right, right? Why dare start questioning his ways?

Paul Finebaum made this mistake during SEC Media Day on Wednesday when trying to discuss the punishment following the Cam Robinson (OL) and Hootie Jones (DB) case. Saban proceeded to shut the door right in his face.

"Well, I don't really care to answer the critics," said Saban.
"Good for you, Coach, because the critics are not the ones running your team," said Alexa Paige.

I think Saban has developed a favorite word to use when commenting on players punishments: internal. And in my opinion, its the best word for a coach to use. Is the media on the field coaching alongside of you during games? No. Are they blowing the whistle at practice telling your men to run faster? No. So their opinions are their opinions. We all have them. Let them talk. Their words are not going anywhere except for providing their talk shows with content.

And while the media is gossiping over the "right and wrong" of the actions of Saban and other coaches in college football, the coaches are handling it, internally. It's not like he is turning the other way and letting them all run havoc. I don't think we will ever know all "team rules" Alabama has in place, but once a single one gets broken, the hammer comes down. Four words: Tony Brown, Cotton Bowl.

The media has tried to control our society for years now. We have seen it in the news every time they decide what we should and should not see. When they decide how much emphasis to put on one story versus another. Trust me, I want to be a broadcaster, I've studied these tactics.

That's right. I want to have a career in media and meanwhile, I will be the first to say that we think we have all this control over everything that happens. As broadcasters, our job is to report the latest happenings in sport. So yeah, sometimes we get carried away, get heated, and go a little too far. But at the end of the day, these coaches were hired to do a job and to do it how they choose.

It was announced on June 20 that the charges against Robinson and Jones were dropped. Saban is not suspending them because legally they did nothing wrong. But are you forgetting he is handling it internally?! That's right, Saban punishment. Trust me, he's got it under control, even if we aren't seeing it first-hand.