In a different time, Tom Cable would have been a perfect fit for the Oakland Raiders. Heck, maybe he's the perfect fit for a once proud franchise. The allegations of Cable's abuse both at work and at home, if true are disturbing and criminal. I'm just wondering... Where is the NFL? Doesn't it's personal conduct policy apply to all employees? Including coaches? At the very least, their lack of action or investigation and action into Cable is a p-r blunder; at worst it's sets a double standard between players and coaches.  I don't always agree with USA Today's Christine Brennan's but in this case she's right on.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/2009-11-04-tom-cable_N.htm

Spikes Nails It

I've said before that the Florida Gators football program remind me of a little bit of the Duke University basketball program of the early 90's. Both are/were extremely succesful, and both are/were the most polarizing figures of their respective sports. Linebacker Brandon Spikes attempt to go all Three Stooges on Georgia's Washaun Ealey didn't win them any fans. Urban Meyer's punishment didn't either. Meyer decided to sit Spikes for a half Saturday against Vanderbilt. Spikes decided to make it the entire game. The linebacker's actions Saturday were disgusting, but his actions Wednesday evening were honorable. Meyer should have known better, and made the suspension longer. Coach's teach their players throughout the year, this time it was Meyer that was taught a lesson.

I've been in Los Angeles this week anchoring Sportscenter with Stan Verrett. Weather here is gorgeous. Traffic is sooo not gorgeous. Growing up in Houston, I'm used to traffic, but this is ridiculous. The only good thing sitting in the car looking at gum stuck on the road, listening to Vin Scully call the Dodgers-Cardinals game. If you're a certain age, you remember Scully from NBC. But, if you didn't grow up in Southern California maybe you haven't heard him on the radio, where he's even better. Now in his 80's Scully may have lost a little on the fastball but he's still one of the best going. His storytelling is amazing, and he manages to paint a picture with his words. Dodger fans you have plenty to be proud of. Not the least of which is Vin Scully.

WAINWRIGHT NOT A TOWEL BOY

Adam Wainwright's explanation for Matt Holliday's error was...well.. weak. I appreciate him trying to "pick up" his teammate, but blaming the miscue on the Dodger fans' rally towels??? It just doesn't wash. The Los Angeles Times has an interesting story on this element of Game 2. Check it out below.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgerthoughts/2009/10/white-towels-not-being-waved-during-hollidays-error.html

There's a friendly rivalry that's decades long between Houston and Dallas. So it pains me slightly to see the new Cowboys Stadium outside Arlington. It makes Houston's Reliant Stadium look like a middle school practice field. It's huge, audacious, and expensive. Just the way we Texans like it. You don't have to like the Cowboys to think the players coming to the field through the fans is way cool. I wonder what the next NFL stadium will look like. Jerry Jones has raised the bar. Now, if he would only raise that giant tv.  Here's a fans guide to the stadium.

http://www.star-telegram.com/stadium/story/1624270.html

I'M A GAMER, BUT MY GAME IS STRUGGLING 

From the update file: I've exhanged XBOX 360 gamer tags with a few of the viewers recently to play some online action of Madden10. So far, I'm 0-6. Yikes. My third down defense is bad. Houston Texans bad. I can't generate a pass rush, and when I do there are guys running free in the secondary. It's gotten so bad..I'm getting booed at home. By my kids. However, I'm proud that I haven't "pulled the plug" on any of the games. If I'm losing, I'll stick with it to the end. I'm decent like that.  Send me your gamer tag...who knows?? You could be my first win.

 The NFL is back, college football is in full swing, and my lip is quivering as I type this. It's been so long. Too long. Should we hug it out? Is there a better time of year? With that said, my season as a fan appears to have ended early with the Texans 24-7 loss to the Jets. At home. Against a rookie head coach. Against a rookie quarterback.  John McClain of the Houston Chronicle called the Texans performance their worst. Ever.

http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2009/09/this_stinker_worst_in_texans_h.html

On The Mark

On the flip side, Mark Sanchez was great. Our own Trent Dilfer said in many ways Sanchez's debut was better than Matt Ryan's last season. Here's what Bob Glauber of New York Newsday thought.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/glauber-s-nfl-hot-reads-1.811959/mark-sanchez-an-early-review-1.1444015

Child Please

Most ridiculous finish of the Week 1 was in the Broncos-Bengals game. When Brandon Stokely was running along the goal line before scoring, was I the only one that thought he stole that move from the Madden video game? That's a classic move I've done and had done to me to waste time off the clock.  By the way, rough weekend for most football fans in Ohio huh? Buckeyes, Bengals, Browns yikes.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

When Juan Manuel Marquez takes on Floyd Mayweather September 19th, he can take solace in the fact that he's done everything he can to be in the best shape of his life. Including, drinking his own urine. I haven't screamed that loud watching something on tv since I saw The Excorcist for the first time when I was 15 years old. Marquez's unique training diet was shown on HBO's 24/7. 

On Thursday my two sons, ages 14 and 7 wanted to watch one thing on tv, Michael Vick. Neither is an Eagles fan, and they've never mentioned wanting to watch Vick before. My wife asked both of them, "Since when do you guys become fans of Michael Vick. You know what he did right?" "He's a good football player", said my 7 year old. My 14 year old said he was curious to see how he looked after all this time and that, "he's had it rough." It was then I wondered if we, the media, with all our stories and coverage had some how glamorized the superstar turned felon. That certainly wasn't the intetion, not that demonizing was, but glamorizing??? No. The intention of every news outlet is to be accurate and fair. I've told my kids that athletes aren't role models. They should be cheered not emulated. So, I figured this was a good time to remind them of that fact, and to tell my oldest that the reason Vick has "had it rough" recently is because of his own stupidity, and that being stupid can cost you dearly. No matter who you are. That's when my 7 year old said, "Can we have the remote now?" Perfect. Parenting lesson complete. Thanks Michael Vick

John McEnroe and Patrick McEnroe were in the Sportscenter studios last week in anticipation of this week's US Open. Both will be calling action as part of ESPN's first year of broadcasting the final tennis major of the season. I was struck by how different the two men were, from their dress to their demeanor. John mentioned that he was hungry, I told him our world famous cafeteria. He then asked me if I knew what the specials of the day were. I thought for a moment, and he asked me again. I continued to think, then John shouted, "ANSWER THE QUESTION!!!" No, no, no, that didn't happen. But both were nice to take a pic with me in the studio.

http://sportsnation.espn.go.com/fans/ESPN_RobertFlores/images/981878

Last week a couple of viewers took me up on my offer to play EA Sports Madden10  against me online. I'm 0-3. All three times I've played as the Houston Texans. My defense is awful. I might have the worst third down defense in the history of football. I need some help. Does anyone have similar problems? If you would like to play, and improve your record, drop me a line with your gamertag.

You used to be able to set your watch by it. It was like death and taxes. During a Green Bay Packers game, a member of the broacast team would utter the following phrase, or at least something close to it, "Man I love watching Brett Favre play. He's like a big kid out there. He loves this game. I think he would play it for free if he could." And scene.  According to FoxSports.com Favre to the Vikings is still very much in play. If true, it would mark the second straight year he joins a team with training camp under way. No one likes training camp, but most players and coaches will tell you it serves a purpose both individually and collectively. Favre's indecision and late arrivals to camp speak of a player that doesn't love the game as much as we were led to believe. Seasons are in part, determined by the work put in the blistering heat of July and August. Favre doesn't seem willing to make those sacrifices any longer. No one knows better than him the pain and work that goes into a successful season. You have to love it. His actions recently, suggest he doesn't love it enough. At least not anymore.

Plaxico Burress...He's In The Game

I picked up Madden10 over the weekend. As expected it's great. I love the improved tackling features especially. I saw something interesting during my season mode. I was playing as the Houston Texans, of course, in the week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans when I noticed a very tall man lined up at receiver for the Titans. One Plaxico Burress. That would be an intriguing signing in real life. Although, the chances of Burress playing for anyone in week 2 is a long shot. My only complaint with the game thus far, and it's a tiny one... when the refs call out a penalty he just says "offense" or "defense"  Come on EA Sports! Give me the jersey number please. I would love to hear your thoughts on the game as well. Perhaps we could get some on-line action game action going. What do you think?

A week long vacation is just what the doctor ordered, but it's good to be back. I did a little swimming...with my IPhone, (by the way sticking it in rice is an urban legend it doesn't work), and I've got this rash...but, anywho pretty busy last few days huh? From Michael Vick's reinstatement to Brett Favre's decision to David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez testing for PED's in 2003, the newsmakers weren't on vacation. Being away while those stories happened made me "consume" them a tad bit differently than I normally would. Not as a sportscaster/journalist but as a fan. Nothing more, nothing less. I discovered that for the last week I didn't want to hear about scandals, steroids, or retirement decisions. I just wanted to know the scores. How's my fantasy team doing? Did my team sign their top draft pick? (Texans signed LB Brian Cushing Saturday) This isn't some pie in the sky wish that all news outlets stop going negative, but hopefully we can always remember what's most important isn't what's wrong with sports, but what's right with them.

Assault In The Ring Scores A KO

Several weeks back I had a Q/A with filmmaker Eric Drath. His documentary Assault In The Ring deals with the infamous 1983 fight between Billy Collins and Luis Resto. A fight that had lasting effects on both men for decades after. The film, which premiered over the weekend on HBO, is amazing. It's not so much film about boxing, but about redemption. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Here's what the New York Times thought of the film.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/01/arts/01assault.html

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig stopped by the Mike and Mike Show Monday in St Louis. Among the subjects discussed, the ridiculous notion of including homefield advantage for the World Series. Selig's contends that having this at stake brings back the intentsity long missing from the Midsummer Classic. This game doesn't have the intensity or the relevance anymore for a variety of factors. Namely, the players don't care about it as much as they used to. Baseball Tonight's John Kruk, a two time All-Star, said recently that when he played he was one of many that preferred the three days off . Not exactly a promotional slogan, but at least he's honest. The ambivalance of this game by the players who play it won't be solved by some gimmick.

All-Star Uni Watch

When I was younger the best thing about the Major League Baseball All Star Game was seeing all the different uniforms on the field at the same time.  I always wondered why certain guys would wear white shoes during the All Star Game instead of their usual "gamers". There's a great blog called uniwatch.com...here's the link www.uniwatch.com, that explores topics like that and more. Check it out if you're interested in the nuances of uniforms from decades back to present day.

T-Mac's New Number

Tracy McGrady has been source of frustration for most Rocket fans for the last several seasons. However, his latest venture is something fans of all teams can get behind. T-Mac is wearing a new number next season. However, vanity has nothing to do with it. Here's the story.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6526166.html

Show Me Sand The Floor...

The idea of a remake of The Karate Kid makes me sad...and old. I have some serious doubts about this updated version. Jackie Chan as Mr. Miyagi???? Come on... "Sweep The Leg" on that casting choice.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/celebrities/6526569.html

On the heels of last week's NBA draft, Friday's edition of Sportscenter featured a bit called Sportscenter's Hi-lite draft. During which I gave a "little tip to the cap" to a sketch on "The Chappelle Show" At least one viewer didn't find the effort worthwhile. Below is a message sent to my profile page on his site. After reading it, I can't even get mad. It's a well thought out note, grammatically it's solid and I think all of the words are spelled correctly. Thankfully, the language isn't offensive. The writer must be a lawyer, axe murderer, or doctor. He/she seems very smart. So here it is, enjoy.

"Robert, I have watched sportscenter nearly every single day, numberous times a day with many different anchors for about the past decade. I will not even begin to talk about how terrible the live edition of sportscenter has been in the mornings with you as co host, but on today's edition where you tap the microphone while mocking the NBA draft and say "We take the izza, the shizza, the Wu Tang Clang" and try to mock the Chappelle Show to be humerous. I can now say I have lost the little respect for you that I had (while as an anchor) I hate everything about you and what you bring to sportscenter. I try to say this as constructive criticisim but I must say, you are awful and today was an embarressment"

EA Sports Scores KO w/Fight Night Round 4

I spent most of this past weekend playing EA Sports Fight Night Round 4. If you have a passing interest in video games do yourself a favor get it. Graphics are incredible. gameplay is amazing. ESPN's Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas provide an excellent blow-by-blow commentary as well. Gamers will enjoy it, boxing fans who are gamers will love it.

Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/roflosc

I'm hooked. It took me a while, but I'm officially on board with soccer. Confederations Cup, Gold Cup, World Cup, Dixie Cup all of it. If it's on the pitch, (sorry Chris McKendry) then I'm all about it. All right, so here's my first question, "How come the United States isn't better?" I know this isn't our national pastime, and we're well behind most of the world in this department, kind of like our math scores...but shouldn't our men's national team start winning something? Soon? After watching Brazil blank the Americans Thursday in Confederations Cup play, I posed that question to our soccer analyst Alexi Lalas. He told me that he wasn't disappointed in Thursday's result, but rather how the United States play. "We were soft", said Lalas. "The U.S. is missing personality, character and heart." Since I was a kid, I was told that we would eventually been a soccer power. When I asked Lalas why our men's program hasn't progressed like the women's, he said our biggest problem is us. "We are a victim of our organization." And that while we have alot of kids playing soccer, we don't have enough kids playing pick up soccer. "In many ways that's where you learn to play the game, where the creativity is born." American goaltender Tim Howard echoed those thoughts to ESPN The Magazine when he said, "In America, there are travel teams and team mothers and tournaments. It's an organization, and until we see it as a street game, we're never going to get where we need to be."

TV Shows You Should Have Watched

Entertainment Weekly posted a list of 17 shows that you should rediscover. Pretty good list. Check It Out. I still can't believe I've never seen an episode of  The Wire. How does that happen?

http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20284709,00.html

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