Lebron James… Future NFL Star?

Could it be possible?

James has caused stir all over the media and blogs by saying “I could be really good at football if I dedicated myself to it full time.”  Even saying that he could be a star in the NFL.  To some this idea sounds ridiculous; to others they could totally envision it.

Back in the day... Lebron playing high school football

While in high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, OH Lebron played three seasons of varsity football.  In each season he gradually improved.  As a freshman he split time between being a quarterback and wide-receiver.  As a sophomore and junior he played solely wide-receiver.  As a sophomore he amassed 42 receptions, 820 yards and 7 touchdowns.  As a junior his numbers nearly doubled; he caught 61 passes for 1,245 yards and 16 touchdowns.  That year he earned all state honors and was invited to participate in the annual U.S. Army All American Bowl – which features the nation’s top football prospects.

During his senior season he did not take part of the football team and dedicated himself solely on basketball, which we all know how well that decision turned out for him.  At 24 he’s already accumulated numerous NBA hardware including – Rookie of the Year honors, 5-time NBA-All Star, 3/2-time NBA First/Second Team, 2-time NBA All Defensive First team & NBA Most Valuable Player last year.

There’s no denying that Lebron is as gifted basketball player as we’ve ever seen, but what if he had tried to play football?  At 6’8” and 250 lbs Lebron would have been the biggest and strongest receiver in the NFL.  I think that his 4.9 second 40 yard dash is a bit slower than the average NFL receiver but imagine putting him as a split Tight End/Wide Receiver? He definitely would have been a forced to be reckoned with.

Lebron - WR Browns?

Yet, could Lebron play both at this point in his career?  I believe it might be a little hard to attempt to play two professional sports at the same time.  He would have to choose either/or, not both.

What are your thoughts, do you believe that Lebron would be a great football player or should he just dedicate himself to basketball?

In the meantime, we have this State Farm commercial, which envisions Lebron as player on the Cleveland Browns.  If the Cavs ever have an off day on a Sunday, Lebron should definitely make his way down to the stadium, because at 1-8 they could most definitely use his help even if he hasn’t played since high school.

It’s Wade’s World! Dwayne Wade’s Dunk Over Anderson Varejao

Possible teammates in 2010?

 

Last night the Cleveland Cavaliers traveled to Miami to face the Heat.  It was a  game  that many NBA and sports fans were looking forward too because of the two superstars facing each other that night.  Dwayne Wade of the Heat and Lebron James of the Cavs.  Let me say, the game most definitely lived up to the hype and so did the two main superstars.

Lebron’s 34 points helped the Cavs come away with the victory 110-104, but Dwayne Wade did his part in South Beach.  He finished the game with 36 points and one monstrous dunk.  Even Lebron was impressed.  “It was great, probably top 10 all-time,” James said. “That was an unbelievable play by a great player.”

We’ve only been 2 weeks into this very young NBA season, but this will definitely be one of the top dunks this year.  Without further ado, see the video below of Wade’s Dunk on 6′10″ Cavs forward Anderson Varejao.

What do you think?  Do you agree with Lebron that this dunk will probably be Top 10 all time?

Whether it’s top 10 all time or just this year – Wade’s dunk was simply amazing!

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you to all the men & women who have sacrificed for our freedom.

This post has nothing to do with sports; but I wanted to take a moment and show gratitude to all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

On November 11, 2009 we celebrate Veterans Day across the U.S.  The significance of Veteran’s Day is to pay tribute to America’s veterans for their patriotism and readiness to serve and sacrifice for the United States and it’s people.

So today, if you know anyone who has sacrificed and served or serves our country – make sure to say Thank You!

This isn’t just a game… It’s an all out battle! New Mexico vs. BYU Women’s Soccer

In last week’s BYU vs. New Mexico conference tournament match, a full on attack was launched by New Mexico defender Elizabeth Lambert.  In the clip below you can see Lambert resort to some very, very physical play on BYU players.  Some call it unsportsmanlike, others call it tough play.  I think I’m going to have to go with the first one.

Look, as a former soccer player who competed at a collegiate level you’re definitely going to have some dirty play, but I’ve never seen so much in just one game.  What makes it worst is that the referees were oblivious to all the plays that Lambert was involved in.  Throughout the game she had rough tackles, threw some elbows, and even a take down on BYU Forward Kassidy Shumway by pulling her down to the ground by her pony tail.

The video of this game has become a media sensation.  Shown on USA Today, PerezHilton.com & even TMZ.  In response to the negative attention that the New Mexico women’s soccer team has received they have decided to suspend defender Elizabeth Lambert indefinitely.

Fair play or dirty play?

In a quote acquired via espn.com, New Mexico coach Kit Vela said “Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship.”

In her defense Elizabeth said, “I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary.  This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am. I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them. I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women’s soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women’s soccer program and its players.”

I respect the decision by Coach Vela, Lambert’s actions were totally inappropriate and her penalty is just.  I anticipate that by next season Lambert will probably be reinstated by Coach Vela.  I just hope she and other players learned their lesson, hard and emotional play is tolerated; dirty and unsportsmanlike is definitely not.

Testing Positive For Steroids – 6 Athletes that Would Shock the World

It's all natural... I swear!

In an era of sports were steroids have taken center stage – I wondered, who would be the 6 Athletes that would shock you, their sports and the world if he/she tested positive for performance enhancing drugs/steroids.

Just in case you were wondering what taking performance enhancing drugs/steroids meant, here are a few ideas of what it does to your body:

• Athletes use steroids because they enhance muscle strength by encouraging new muscle growth.
• Build mass and power of muscles and bones.
• Increase delivery of oxygen to exercising tissues.
• Mask pain.
• Helps athletes lose weight.
• Hides use of other drugs.

Without further ado, The Sports Bra Reports list of 6 athletes that would shock us & I believe the world if they were on the “juice.”

1:  Lebron James – NBA

Lebron  James career averages are 27.3 points, 6.6 assists and 6.9 rebounds – Lebron can run like Iverson, handle the rock like Chris Paul, dunk like Kobe and shoot like Allen.  Lebron is the “Chosen One,” an icon around the world and the future of basketball.  If he used performance enhancing drugs Lebron’s averages could look something like 70 points per game, 25 rebounds, 15 assists, 15 steals – He would just demolish the competition.

2:  Tiger Woods – PGA

Tiger Woods is the most successful golfer in the world.  Throughout his career he’s won 65 PGA Tour Events and 14 majors.   He’s already the most unstoppable force in Golf.. and with if he used steroids nothing would stop him for sure. He’s also the world’s marketable athlete.  If Tiger was on performance enhancing drugs every single tourney would be won by him… there wouldn’t be a PGA, it would be called the Tiger Tour.

3:  Derek Jeter – MLB

The captain of the New York Yankees, 4-time World Series Champion and the one of the guy’s who play’s the game the “right way.”

4 & 5:  Peyton & Eli Manning – NFL

These two brothers are Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, and the faces of their respective teams and the NFL.  They’re the All-American boys of the league and if either was tainted…  boy oh boy, they’re be some fall out for sure.

6:  Mia Hamm – US Soccer

The most iconic female athlete in US. History.  Mia has been an inspiration to millions of female athletes in the world. A dominant force at home and in international soccer.  Mia currently holds the  record for international goals scored by any other player, male or female (158).  Imagine if she was on the juice? Her records would probably something like 350 international goals.

The Cripples… err I mean Clippers Curse Strikes Again! Blake Griffin Out 6 Weeks

The Clippers injury curse strikes again... #1 Draft Pick Blake Griffin is out 6 weeks with fractured knee cap.

The Cripples… err I mean Clippers Curse strikes again!

The number 1 overall draft pick & Clipper Blake Griffin has gone down with a fractured patella (knee cap) and will be out of the lineup for six weeks.  He injured his knee during Friday’s preseason game.  It’s unfortunate that most Clipper and NBA fans won’t get to see Griffin until some time in late December.

Griffin means a lot of things to a franchise that hasn’t had much to cheer for in a very, very long time.  It finally seemed like the Clippers were going to have a decent team heading into the 2009-2010 NBA season opener.

Blake Griffin is definitely a beast, as you can see from the highlights he’s accumulated during the preseason.  He’s a throw back player who isn’t afraid to mix it up in the inside and outside.  I believe that he’s something of a mix between a young Karl Malone (the strength, inside presence and body type) with a lot of Kevin Garnett (great defense and a lot of heart).  Once he recovers he’s definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with.  A once pre-season favorite for rookie of the year will now have to work 2-3 times harder to earn that award because of his injury and the late start to the season.  Good news is – Griffin isn’t afraid of hard work.  I definitely still have him as my favorite to win that award.  Let’s hope that once we see him on the court it will be an early Christmas present to us all.

Adrian Peterson to William Gay… “Get out of my way!”

The NFL season has definitely lived up to its hype in 2009.  We have the usual suspects Colts 6-0, Saints 6-0, Patriots 5-2 and there have even been a few surprises thrown in, Denver Broncos (6-0)… Did anyone see that coming!? I don’t think so.

Another team that almost everyone knew would be a team to reckon with was the Minnesota Vikings.  They have however exceeded expectation with a 6-1 start.  Thanks to the play of grizzled QB Brett Favre and of super human RB Adrian Peterson.

In a game that was much closer than the score reveals 27-17, Steelers victory.  RB Adrian Peterson added another play to his already huge highlight reel.  The victim this time, Steeler William Gay.

Adrian’s Peterson 65 Yard TD Run – There’s a reason he went #1 in your draft!

Adrian Peterson - Liz's Toons

There’s a reason RB Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings was the number 1 pick of 99.9% of all Fantasy Drafts across the world – Please see below!

During the 4th quarter of the Vikings – Browns game, Peterson broke off for a 65 Yard Touchdown run in which he made the Browns defenders look absolutely ridiculous.  He broke their tackles with such ease they might as well not have been standing there.

Peterson finished the game with 180 Rushing Yards, 18 Receiving Yards and 3 Touchdowns.  Like I said there’s a reason he went # 1 in your Fantasy Draft, the man is simply unstoppable!

The Madden Curse Strikes Again! Troy Polamalu Injured In Season Debut vs. Titans

Madden claims another victim - Troy Polamalu!... (Toons by Liz!)

The Madden Curse strikes again!  If you are unaware of the Madden Curse – please read here.  A quick recap of the curse is that any player who appears on the cover of the famous video game will suffer some type of injury throughout the course of the season.

Long behold Troy Polamalu – Safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year’s cover boy suffered a sprained MCL knee injury in last night’s  season opener vs. the Tennessee Titans.

It is unsure how long Polamalu will be out, but it’s rumored to be 3-6 weeks.  It’s a shame that Polamalu was injured during the second quarter of the game because prior to that he was all over the field causing havoc for the Tennessee offense.

Troy had 6 tackles  and one amazing interception on Kerry Collins (see video below).  By far one of the most amazing and athletic interceptions I have ever seen.

Along with Troy, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals also appeared on the cover of Madden 10.  Let’s hope that the curse only claims one victim this year!

Weekly NFL Picks with a lil’ help from Madden 10 – Week 1

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!?

Well ladies and gents this concept is not new at all – but I figured I’d give it my own spin. Every week I will be simulating the games scheduled via Madden 10.  Hopefully this will help you with your weekly NFL picks and if it doesn’t I still think it’s going to be fun to see if the Madden rankings and roster updates can stay true to form throughout the season and pick the winners each week accurately.

So without further ado – Week 1 picks presented you by The Sports Bra Reports!

Thursday – Sept 10, 2009

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers

Final Score: Tenn 14 – Pitt 21

Victory for the Superbowl Champs!

Sunday – Sept 13, 2009

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons

Final Score:  Miami 14 - Atl 28

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals

Final Score:  Denver 17 – Bengals 24

Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns

Final Score:  Minn 13 – Cleveland 27

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts

Final Score:  Jags 23 – Colts 24

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints

Final Score:  Lions 3 – Saints 37

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Bucs

Final Score:  Cowboys 24 - Bucs 21 (OT)

Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers

Final Score:  Eagles 15 – Panthers 30

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens

Final Score:  Chiefs 10 – Ravens 34

New York Jets at Houston Texans

The Mark Sanchez era with the New York Jets will start off with a VICTORY! (I hope!)

Final Score:  Jets 17 – Texans 10

Washington Redskins at New York Giants

Final Score:  ‘Skins 7 – Giants 17

San Fransisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

Final Score:  49ers 19 – Cards 25

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks

Final Score:  Rams 19 – Seahawks 28

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

Final Score:  Bears 21 – Packers 13

Monday – September 14, 2009

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots

Final Score:  Patriots 24 – Bills 14

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders

Final Score:  Chargers 16 – Bills 9

NOTES:

OK, so there we go… The first week results as simulated via Madden.    A few notes you might want to take into account before making your picks, Browns winning over the Vikings is a huge upset, specially now that they have Favre.  Yet that might be the reason for the upset, Farve throwing a few picks and the Browns scoring a few TD’s off of those turnovers.

Another one that caught my eye was the Chargers vs. Raiders results.  Does Madden really think the Chargers will only score 16 on the Raiders?? I would be skeptical about that pick if I were you, not because of the Chargers winning but because it only has then scoring 16 points! On the Raiders! The Chargers will at least go for 35 points in that game – but we’ll just have to wait and see.

So there we go – Our Week 1 simulated results for the NFL Season.  Check back Tuesday morning to see if how we stacked up against the real scores and results.  All I have to ask before signing off is… Are you ready for some football!?!?

As an added Bonus! The Sports Bra Reports – Weekly Picks!

Hmmmm... Winners Will Be...

Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Our Pick Steelers

Miami Dolphins @ Atlanta Falcons – Our pick Dolphins

Denver Broncos @ Cinncinnati Bengals – Our pick Bengals

Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns – Our pick Vikings

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts – Our pick Colts

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints – Our pick Saints

Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Bucs – Our pick Dallas

Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers – Our pick Panthers

Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens – Our pick Ravens

New York Jets @ Houston Texans – Our pick J-e-t-s… JETS! JETS!! JETS!!!

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants – Our pick Giants

San Fransisco 49′ers @ Arizona Cardinals – Our pick Cardinals

St. Louis Rams @ Seatle Seahawks – Our pick Seahawks

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers – Our pick Packers

New England Patriots @ Buffallo Bills – Our pick Patriots

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders – Our pick Chargers

On Tuesday – we’ll compare our simulated Madden picks and the Sports Bra Reports picks to the actual scores to see how we fared.