Lots of reasons for NFL teams failures

From where I sit it looks like there's plenty of blame to go around for non-playoff teams in the NFL...

via bleacherreport.com

Sure, the refs blew a late call of illegal formation for the Chargers against the Chiefs. Yes, Kyle Orton threw a late interception to seal an Eagles win. But neither of those can cover up the fact that a single play doesn't change a mediocre season. The Steelers can blame the refs all they want, but any team that starts 2-6 is going to be in trouble to make the playoffs with nobody to blame but themselves. As for Dallas, again, blame can be placed on Tony Romo, and he does deserve his share, but how about a defence that was incapable of holding a lead. Meanwhile, other teams have found an easy way to place the blame for a failed year. Fire the coach. Washington, Cleveland and Minnesota have all ditched their coaches and the season hasn't been over for 24 hours. Now, the real season begins and it doesn't much matter if you are the best team at home, or the best on the road, all that matters is winning the rest of your games.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.

Silva is done in the octagon

From where I sit it looks like the career of Anderson Silva is over...

Please note...the content of the video is not for everyone...

It's never how a sports fan wants to see a champion exit the sport, however, injury is always a risk, in any sport. Yes, I firmly believe that professional athletes are over-paid. Yet, given the risks they take I can't blame them for wanting to make as much as they can. Further to that, we have progressed from Roman times when the loser could end up dead. Never-the-less, it's still sad to see a legend end his career with an injury. I doubt that Silva will ever be able to get back in the ring to fight again. He's 38 now, even with a quick recovery he will be well past 39 before he's anywhere near fighting condition. In fact, at this point the bigger concern shouldn't be if Silva will walk to the ring again...but whether he will be able to walk normally at all.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.

Changes needed to NFL replays and a horrid owner in England

From where I sit it looks like there could be an asterisk next to Peyton Manning's touchdown record...

via businessinsider.com

At least that's according to Wade Phillips. I have 2 thoughts on this: First, this is a great argument for the NFL to use a 'War Room' like the NHL does. Every replay review should be looked at by more than one or 2 people. The decision should be a corporate one, not just the referee. He's tired and under pressure. There needs to be a way to make certain the call is right. Every time. Second, who the hell cares? It's not like this is a one off...or that it had some sort of impact on the outcome of the game. Manning's march to the record began against Baltimore in week 1. This seems more like Phillips trying to get his name in the papers, than making a legitimate point.

There always seems to be someone complaining about the state of the ownership of their favourite team...and Cardiff City has a legitimate beef...

via theguardian.com

In Edmonton the chief complaint is Daryl Katz is too hands off and obsessed with the 1980's Oilers. Jerry Jones is the polar opposite in Dallas. At least both of them care about the team and fans. Vincent Tan is just a jerk. He's not just treating the fans like garbage, but insulting them. To change jersey colours and team name after over a century is awful. And with the team hovering around the relegation zone get ready for more angry fans. And I don't blame them.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.

Does anyone but Canada care about the World Juniors?

From where I sit it looks like the World Juniors is facing another tournament with bad attendance...

via sportsnet.ca

Only 1,800 people bothered to show up for the Canadians opening game. To put that in perspective Sam Reinhart played in front of 2,100 in his last home game in Cranbrook with the Kootenay Ice. As for brother Griffen Reinhart and Oil Kings teammate Curtis Lazar, there were almost 7,000 fan in Edmonton. I will grant there were 4,200 at the Russia-Norway game, but even that's not great. There needs to be a better effort from the IIHF to find places where people will show up. How about ticket prices? Well, the cheap seats are 120 Krona, with the top ticket at 320 Krona. That's 15 to 50 dollars Canadian. I took my daughter to the Canada-Finland game in Edmonton 2 years ago. We paid 180$ for a pair in the cheap seats. These kids have flown halfway around the world to play for their country, and nobody in the host city seems to care enough to show up.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.

The NBA gets it all wrong

From where I sit it looks like it's a great day to relax, celebrate, spend time with family...

via fanpop.com

Please note, I did not include basketball on that list. I'm always proud the NHL has today off. In fact, there's no games on the 24^th, 25^th or 26^th. Good. There shouldn't be. I know the league would love to have games on TV, just like the NBA. However, as someone who has worked more than one Christmas Day, those people should be at home. No, I don't just mean the millionaire players, but the workers. I've been stadium staff, it's not a fun job. Those guys should be at home too. Just like the media. Spend time with your family. Enjoy it. Please. Time is always fleeting, don't miss a chance to say I love you.

Merry Christmas.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.

Eakins deserves credit for rallying his players

From where I sit it looks like Dallas Eakins ripped a strip off a fan...and it looks like it worked, for now...

via prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com

Honestly, I agree with him. Sure, the fan has the right to express his displeasure any way he wants, but to throw away his jersey is insulting. Yes, these guys are millionaires getting paid to play a game. But they are still human. Imagine if you had a job like that. If every time you made an error a red light went on and 17,000 people stood and screamed at you (Jaques Plante). Had people coming up to you in the mall giving you crap for a poorly done presentation. Or just yelled at you from across the street, “Hey! You suck!” As for Eakins calling the guy out, why not? He's got as much right to express himself as the guy who threw the jersey. This is a young team. They are getting better. I find it amazing that Oilers fans are quick to point out the 5 banners at the roof of Rexall, but forget what happened to the team leading up to Cup wins.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.

Babcock snaps on HBO cameras

From where I sit it looks like the Red Wings aren't too impressed with HBO...

via hockeyworldblog.com

For all the 24/7 series is mildly interesting, honestly, I don't care what the players are doing between games. The locker room stuff provides some insight, even when the cameras get thrown out of the room. I know these guys are human. I know they go out and have a couple drinks. Or stay home and play video games. And even if they don't, I don't care. At the same time, it was fun watching the film crew get tossed. It's about winning, not about getting the perfect shot for TV. Obviously, Mike Babcock wasn't given creative control over the series. But, he has control over his team. And that's what makes the Wings a great team season after season. Whether the cameras are in the room or not.

At least that's how I see it...and I sit in the cheap seats.