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Ethics in MMA

Dana White terminates Silva contract after being arrested. Photo credit UFC 
by L.A. LeVan 

Anyone who keeps up with MMA, or more to the point, the UFC, has heard this weeks news about one of the UFC's fighters getting their contract terminated.  Tiago Silva was arrested this past friday on two counts of attempted murder, aggrevated battery with a deadly weapon and obstruction without violence, as reported by NBC Miami.  Miami SWAT was called to go in and get out of his house, where he had barricaded himself.  Within a very short time, UFC president Dana White announced that they were terminating his contract and that "This guy will never fight in the UFC again."

MLB: Remembering Dock Ellis, Who Threw A No No While On LSD

Dock Ellis
by Steve Painter

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis was quite a character. He sported hair curlers in the dugout, took handfuls of amphetamines before games, and pitched a no-hitter on LSD.

MLB: Schilling Faces Another Tough Battle

Curt Schilling recently announced he has cancer. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Although he had plenty of talent, Curt Schilling had a rough start to his Major League Baseball career. He had to grow, physically and emotionally, into the role everybody remembers, as an ace.

MLB: Arroyo Goes Out West

Bronson Arroyo joins the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks just signed Mr. Innings eater himself. Who might that be? Bronson Arroyo. As a Reds fan I'm sad to see him go, but I knew we couldn't resign him.

MLB: Rodney Signs With Mariners

Fernando Rodney joins the Seattle Mariners. Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

The Mariners made another good signing by bringing in Closer Fernando Rodney. Rodney is known for having a top notch fastball that sits guys down.

MLB: Living Legend Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron, age 80, is a true living legend. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

This April 8th, when the Braves open their first home stand, there will be a ceremony honoring Hank Aaron on the 40th anniversary of becoming baseball's home run king. He has done much more than we can ever give back. And at 80, he stays in shape and still is as smart and savvy as he's always been.

MLB: The Braves Give Freddie the Keys to the Brinksmanship Truck

Freddie Freeman gets a pay day from the Atlanta
Braves. Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

After hearing his teammate  Jason Heyward got a new deal, the news of Freeman's deal hit the streets. The Braves extended the first baseman 8 years for the tune of around $125-135 million.

Aye Freddie, if you want to hook a brother up let me know! 

NFL: 2014 Mock Draft (2nd Draft)

by Brad Barrett

2014 NFL Mock Draft (Top 15 descriptions)

MLB: Braves Resign Heyward

Jason Heyward avoids arbitration with Atlanta Braves. Photo credit MLB 
by J.T. 

The Atlanta Braves resigned OF Jason Heyward to a 2 year $13.3 million deal. This deal avoids arbitration for both parties which is a win for both, less stress. 

St. Louis Cardinals: Better than 2013?

St. Louis Cardinals are ready to return to the World
Series again. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Every season is different, that's true in any sport. In the spring, hope blooms eternal in every baseball fans heart, wanting to visualize their favorite team winning the championship in the fall. Diehard fans demand a lot from their team, and the St. Louis Cardinals usually deliver some sort of prize for theirs.

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NBA: The Pacers Play Keep-Away From The Heat

Andrew Bynum joins the Indiana Pacers.
by J.T.

The Indiana Pacers signed C Andrew Bynum for the remainder of the season. Bynum will get around a million dollars for the rest of the season and provide big man insurance for the Pacers.

Peyton Manning: What's next?

What's next for Peyton Mannin? Photo credit Fox Sports 
by Brad Barrett 

After a record breaking season, a fifth MVP, and a trip to the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning could be walking out of the game. As we saw on Sunday, Manning couldn't get the job done in the 48th Super Bowl. The leagues’ best defense held one of the best offenses of all time to only eight points. To me that sounds pretty embarrassing, but to Peyton Manning, not so much.

Super Bowl XLVIII: Seattle Dominates Denver 43-8

Malcolm Smith was named MVP after the Seahawks beat the Broncos 43-8
in Super Bowl XLVIII. Photo credit Miami Herald. 
by Rodney Fisher 

Nobody knew Seattle's defensive was that good. The Seahawks simply bullied the Denver Broncos the entire game to win Suoer Bowl XLVIII 43-8. There were big plays made in all phases of the game. Here is a video recap of Super Sunday:

{video after jump}

MLB: Home Plate Collisions, Time to Act

MLB home plate collisions a thing of the past. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter

It's one thing for there to be a good, clean, close play at home plate; but it's another matter when a runner purposely tries to bowl over the catcher. And it's time for MLB to act on this issue.

Dallas Mavericks: Why You Should Still Love The Mavs

Where is your love for the Dallas Mavericks. 
by Rodney Fisher

How long does the feel of victory last? Sunday, June 12, 2011 is cemented in the memory Dallas Mavericks fans as the day it finally happened. After wallowing in NBA obscurity, losing in the playoffs, and even losing in The Finals in 2006, the little Mavs won it all. Add the fact they won by beating LeBron James and the Miami Heat and victory tasted 10-times sweeter.

NBA: 2014 All-Star Rosters

by J.T.

Thursday night the All-Star reserves were released. Their were some snubs, but that's for another article. Now that the All-Star rosters are set let's see who we will be watching on All Star weekend February 16th.

MLB: High Expectations for Kansas City Royals in 2014

Kansas City Royals are a legitimate playoff contender in 2014. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

In the AL Central, each team has made changes from last year, and you can arguably say those changes have brought overall improvement for each one, and thus, this division may surprise some with the level of play expected for 2014. 

Dallas Mavericks: Help Wanted

Dirk Nowitzki earns another All-Star squad.
Does he have the help he really needs? Photo credit NBA 
by Ace Feltman 

You knew it was coming.

Last week the title indicated we weren't closing, so naturally this week we're looking for help. Makes sense, right? Of course it does.

Super Bowl XLVIII Prediction: Seahawks Lose

Richard Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks look good
on paper, but the Broncos will win. Photo credit NFL 
by Nathaniel Herrick 

The National Football League's 48th Super Bowl is coming upon us quickly, and after a much needed 2 weeks off, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks square off in what might be the most anticipated Super Bowl match up since it's creation. No one knows for sure who will pull out the win here, but my gut is going with the Denver Broncos even though the statistics favor the Seahawks.

NFL: How Denver Can Win Super Bowl XLVIII

How can the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl.
Photo credit NFL 
by Brad Barrett 

It's what we’ve been waiting for, for two whole weeks. The big one. Manning v.s L.O.B. Seahawks v.s Broncos. The Super Bowl. It might be a bit chilly, a little snow may fall, but in the end who really cares? THIS IS SHOWTIME!

Lance Berkman: Saying Goodbye To One Of The Good Guys

Lance Berkman announces his retirement from baseball. Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Lance Berkman has had a terrific career in baseball, 15 years in fact, and it all started in Texas, where he played for Rice first and then headed for the Houston Astros, plying his trade with them from 1997 through 2010. After that, he played for the Yankees, Cardinals, and Rangers. 

NFL: Six Keys To Super Bowl XLVIII

Six things that will determine the outcome of Super Sunday between the
Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. 
by Steve Painter 

Here is a quick guide for what to expect this Super Bowl Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos take the field.

Do You Understand The MMA Scoring System?

MMA refs have a complicated scoring system for
fans to follow. Photo credit MMA UK
by Lance LeVan

I'm hoping that today's blog is much more interactive on your part (the readers).  I am ACTUALLY asking a question, and if any of you guys/girls have a viable answer...I would sincerely appreciate it.

Can anyone explain (in detail) the scoring system in MMA today...?

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NFL: Panthers Extend Rivera

Ron Rivera gets a three-year extension with the
Carolina Panthers. Photo credit NFL 
by J.T.

The Panthers took care of their sideline leader today. Ron Rivera received a three-year extension. Rivera still has a year left on his current four-year deal, so essentially its another four-year deal. We just don't know the financial numbers yet, but I'm guessing it will be a solid raise for him.

Ryan Braun: Forgive and Forget?

Can you support Ryan Braun? Photo credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

It was Spring Training in 2012 when Ryan Braun held a press conference and proceeded to lie and dupe a lot of fans about his involvement with PEDS. He threw fans, MLB, and specimen collector Dino Laurenzi, Jr. under the bus. He was very believable, and I walked away from watching that believing him.

NFL: Drama In Dallas

Scott Linehan joins Jason Garrett's staff as the new play caller for the
Dallas Cowboys. Photo credit NFL 
by Brad Barrett 

Once again, the Dallas Cowboys will be switching play callers for their offense. The’ve tried Jason Garrett, Bill Callahan, and now Scott Linehan. Linehan was the Lions OC from 2009-13. He was hired this week as the Cowboys’ play caller. 

Houston Rockets: Snubs and Losses

Houston Rockets look to bounce back from two straight losses. Photo
credit NBA 
by Rodney Fisher

The Houston Rockets are probably more concerned about losing back-to-back games to the Memphis Grizzlies to end the week than anything else. But during the week, the somewhat quiet Rockets voiced their opinions on other basketball related activities that are not on the court.

St. Louis Cardinals: Keep Your Eye On Oscar Taveras

The Cardinals hidden gem, Oscar Taveras. Photo
credit MLB 
by Steve Painter 

Cards fans are excited and so is the organization, although they are cautious, about the impact Oscar Taveras will have on the club, not only this year, but for years to come. But we all know about patience, right? When it comes to a player like Taveras, we want to see him now, and it seems Taveras is willing and ready.

MLB: The Brewers Get Garza

Matt Garza is now a Milwaukee Brewer. Photo credit
MLB 
by J.T. 

As Cincinnati Reds fans I don't like this at all, not at all. Aye man judge me, I don't care. Garza is a good pitcher and he's going to be hurling against my boys this year. Good move by the Brewers, I can hate and still congratulate.

MMA: Avoiding Injuries In Martial Arts

MMA training is key.
by Lance LeVan

I need to start my blog off with a disclaimer each time.  I am not a doctor, nutritionist, mental therapist, psychologist, physical therapist (PT), etc, etc, etc.  Everything you read in my blog is either my opinions or things that I have researched on my own.  With that being said...enjoy.


St. Louis Cardinals: La Russa Praises Matheny as Mozeliak's "Best Baseball Move Ever"

John Mozeliak and Mike Mathney have the St. Louis
Cardinals flying in the right direction. Photo credit CBS 
by Steve Painter

Tony La Russa will be the first to say he didn't create greatness on the diamond by himself. He always credits those around him - owners, front office staff and clubhouse personnel. That's a trait that good leaders and successful people share, by the way. But make no mistake, TLR does not suffer fools or lesser minds with grace.

Dallas Mavericks: Sorry, We're Not Closing

Dirk Nowitzki has no plans to give up on the Dallas Mavericks.
Do you? Photo credit NBA 
by Ace Feltman

Last week my article came on the heels of the epic meltdown at the Los Angeles Clippers. This week I was provided with multiple meltdowns to keep us on topic.

Senior Bowl: The Most Impressive Quarterback

Derek Carr helped his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. Photo credit CBS 
by Brad Barrett 

Many people and scouts have been underwhelmed by the quarterbacks practicing at the Senior Bowl. We’ve saw torn ACL’s to flat out horrid. In my eyes and many others, one young man has stuck out. Fresno State’s Derek Carr.

NFL: The Cleveland Browns Finally Get A New Head Coach

Meet Mike Pettine, new head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Photo credit NFL 
by J.T. 

Out of all the head coaching vacancy's, the Browns was the one position that seemed like it would never get filled. Coaches stayed away for that spot like it was the plague. After their former HC got fired after one year who could blame them?

NFL: The Rise of The Hammer

Eddie Lacy, NFL Rookie of the Year.
Photo credit NFL 
by Jack Ballard 

  Eddie Lacy is arguably one of the best rookies in the NFL. He was drafted in the 2013 draft in the second round by the Green Bay Packers. Lacy was a star at Alabama, but many questioned his NFL career. He proved them wrong.

NFL: Has Sherman been painted as "the" NFL bad guy?

Is Richard Sherman a bad guy? Photo credit NFL 
by Nathaniel Herrick 

All over the internet and other media outlets, Seattle Seahawks defensive back Richard Sherman is either being portrayed as a "thug" or the NFL's newest bad guy. Even as a faithful San Francisco 49ers fan, I'm in inclined to believe that they've got the picture all wrong, Sherman was just caught up in the moment.

MLB: Tanaka Steps Into The Pressure Cooker of New York

Masahiro Tanaka joins the New York Yankees. Can he handle the pressure? Photo credit LA Times. 
by Steve Painter 

Face it, Masahiro Tanaka is a brave man for wanting to sign with a team in a ridiculous media market like New York. It's a good thing he is used to the limelight, being married to a pop star, because the pressure on him will be incredible. I'm sure he has already spoken to Hiroki Kuroda about the media frenzy, but can mere words actually prepare him for the onslaught?

Stan Kasten: The next Commissioner of Baseball?

Is Steve Kasten next to run MLB? Photo credit LA Dodgers 
by Steve Painter 

Stan Kasten is arguably the best executive of any team in baseball. His record speaks for itself and is unmatched by anyone else. He's having a great time as one of the principal owners of the Dodgers, where his official title is President, and his proclivities of wading into and greeting the crowds go right along with another Dodger great, Tommy Lasorda.

NFL: Who will the Browns hire?

Mike Lombardi needs to higher a head coach for Cleveland fast. Photo
credit NFL. 
by Brad Barrett 

In ten years the Cleveland Browns have burned through six NFL head coaches. Why would anon take the job in the Dawg Pound!? They have fired two coaches in two years, and are now the only team with a head coach vacancy. We should hear in a few hours who they will hire.

MLB: The Yankees sign Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka

New York Yankees win the bidding war for Masahiro Tanaka. 
by J.T.

The Yankees used the money they saved by not signing star secondbasemen Robinson Cano to get Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.

Women in MMA

Are women fighting entertainment? Photo credit MMA 
by L.A. Levan

For almost two decades, I have been watching or been involved in the world of MMA.  And for most of that time, the women that have attempted to compete in this combat sport have been scoffed and laughed at by a lot of fans, including this writer.

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans Acquire Tyshawn Taylor

Tyshawn Taylor is now a Pelican. Photo credit NBA. 
by J.T. 

With the recent injury to starting PG Jrue Holiday, the New Orleans Pelicans acquired Tyshawn Taylor.

Bud Selig's Legacy: Complicated, But A Hall of Famer

Bud Selig will leave MLB with lasting controversial legacy. Photo credit MLB
by Steve Painter

Bud Selig: The name either inspires anger or approval. There is no gray area for this black and white subject. You either approve or you think he is the worst sports (Any Sport) boss of all time. No vacillating allowed in this conversation.

NFC North Draft Needs

NFC North Draft Needs By Team
by Jack Ballard

Minnesota Vikings: Derek Carr, Quarterback from Fresno State.
   
The Vikings need a Quarterback, that will play consistently. Carr is the perfect choice. Though fans are hesitant about this choice, because the last quarterback they drafted was Christian Ponder in 2011 and he was a bust, Derek Carr is the player that will put this team back on track.

49ers LB Bowman Tore ACL, MCL in Title Game.

Navarro Bowman suffers torn ACL anc MCL. Photo credit NFL. 
by Nathaniel Herrick

Considered by some to be the best defensive player in the NFL this season, San Francisco 49er's inside linebacker NaVarro Bowman was having a dream season for any defensive player, and that season ended in the worst possible way, a gruesome injury and an upsetting loss to their NFC West rival, the Seattle Seahawks.

Was Welker's hit Dirty?

Did Wes Welker take out Talib on purpose. Photo credit NFL 
by Brad Barrett

We all saw it, but didn’t see it coming. Early in the second quarter, little 5-9 180 pound receiver crushed New England’s big, physical corner. Wes Welker came off his route, lowered his shoulder, and whacked New England’s Aqib Talib. Talib injured his knee, and had to sit out the rest of Sunday’s game.

Cards Primed To Make Another Run At Championship

St Louis Cardinals posed for another run in 2014.
Photo credit MLB. 
by Steve Painter

The Cards are most certainly a dynasty, similar to the Braves historic run in the 90's and early in the 2000's. GM John Mozeliak has once again tweaked the roster and added Peter Bourjos, Johnny Peralta, and Mark Ellis to supplement and indeed, improve the already impressive Cards.

The Legion of Boom Saves Seahawks

Richard Sherman and the Legion of Boom are headed to the Super Bowl.
Photo credit NFL. 
by Nathaniel Herrick

The NFC Title game is what we all expected, it was rough, dirty, and controversial, from reports of Seahawks fans dumping popcorn on San Francisco's linebacker NaVarro Bowman, who had just suffered a gruesome knee injury in the 4th quarter after stripping the ball from the Seahawks, only to have the refs give the ball back to Seattle, to an unknown 49ers personnel clotheslining a Seahawks special teams player when he was pushed out of bounds.