Sportsfrog.com

As if Putin being a tremendous thug weren’t enough, now Maria Sharapova put a quick end to Lindsey Davenport’s comeback at the Australian Open. Ah well.

Seems the Mountaineers can use your help building a database to track player information. On the heels of charges that former coach Rich Rodriguez has something to do with dozens of missing player files:

“If a player spoke to a school or did public service, we don’t have a record of it,” the source said, according to the newspaper. “If he broke a rule or missed class, we don’t have a record of that, either. We don’t have anything.”

It doesn’t even have to be elaborate. I’m guessing a simple Excel sheet would do the trick.

“That’s right Aaron. You’re never going to get to start for Green Bay. Go cry on your wee pillow. Maybe you’ll get lucky like Hasselbeck and land with another team. Maybe you’ll even be good. Who knows? Who cares? I sure as hell don’t.

I’m like Lazarus. As a matter of fact, that’s what I’m going to call the new line of Wrangler jeans I sell. What, you don’t have a national endorsement deal because you never get to play? Oh, sorry, I can’t hear you over the pile of money that’s in my basement. Keep crying and I’ll come back until I’m 40 and they have to wheel me out there like Hannibal Fucking Lecter! Now get me my pain shot Clipboard!”

And the only explaination I can give for Michigan’s performance yesterday is that Rich Rodriguez sat him down and explained that his offense could in fact attempt and even complete a pass longer than 5 yards. Could in fact run a screen and attempt some misdirection from time to time. Because that was the Michigan team most fans were waiting to see all year. Add in a couple of Adrian Arrington circus catches, the obligatory fumbles by Mike Hart (part of a -4 turnover day), and some truly inspired defense and that was the most I’ve enjoyed watching a Michigan game in the past couple of years.

Here’s hoping that Coach Rodriguez is able to build on that win and do read the Free Press’s Michael Rosenberg’s description of the scene where the team decided they’d like to win one for the Lloydster.

Brandon Roy. Second year guard for Portland who is helping the once hapless franchise into strong respectability. The Portland Tribune’s Dwight (Fear My Toupee!) Jaynes has the take:

“Is the NBA ready for a player who can dominate a game the old-fashioned way, with fundamentals, guile and deceptive physical skills?

We’re going to find out, because that’s what Brandon Roy seems intent on doing this season.

The Trail Blazers’ second-year guard is old-school crafty and a little more explosive than he looks. And, in the last month, he’s brought his game up to an elite level, making 25-point, nine-assist, eight-rebound nights look routine.”

A nice group of players that compliment each other well playing before a SRO crowd on Christmas day? Strange days indeed.

And the targeting of athletes continues. Time to up the security systems.

When we plucked Priest Holmes off the free agent pile a few weeks back. Sike.

Lloyd Carr is retiring. I’ve read/heard enough in the past few days about how University of Michigan fans are not doing enough to laud Carr’s 13 seasons at the helm. Sentiments like this from Lenn Robbins in the New York Post:

“Shame to the victors…Carr, 62, has lost four straight and six of seven to the Buckeyes, so, of course, it’s time for a new Carr in the Motor City.

Forget the 121-40 record, the four Rose Bowls and Carr’s commitment to Michigan since he became an assistant coach in 1980.”

To which I say, a resoundingly polite: Poo.

In thirteen years at Ohio State John Cooper was 111-43-4. Eerily similar to Mr. Carr’s record now wouldn’t you say? Any second guesses whether Cooper should have gone? Cooper couldn’t win the big game and his record against Michigan was dreadful 2-10-1. Since Tressel took over the helm and at his pep rally introduced a countdown clock to the next Ohio State/Michigan showdown he has had Carr’s number. Carr’s Wolverines have managed just one win against Tressel’s Buckeyes in the past seven years. Unacceptable.

Hey Mr. Robbins. Imagine that the Yanks and Bo Sox hooked up for just ONE GAME a year. You think King George would have suffered losing six times in seven years? Didn’t think so.

Carr has been passed by. It’s time for new blood. Yes, thank you Lloyd Carr for the national championship and the four Rose Bowls. I wish Michigan could have shown up for more of those bowl games and for more of the games agains the Buckeyes in the last seven years. For better or for worse I will remember the defeats more than the victories. Appalachian State was horrible. There’s no two ways around it. Oregon, as good as they were this year laying the smack down in the big house. 91 yards of offense against your hated rivals.

We’re sorry Mr. Carr, it’s time.

There’s a local charity here in Baltimore, NCADD – Maryland, that is offering a pretty sweet Final 4 related fundraiser. You have the opportunity to win:

*Roundtrip airfare for two from Baltimore to San Antonio
*Four night accomodation in San Antonio
*Two Tickets to both semi final games
*Two Tickets to the national championship game
*Exclusive behind the scenes access with Billy Packer (just for kicks, you may ask him how he rolls)

They are only selling 250 tickets. Priced at $100 a pop it’s a great way to help a great cause and would be a fantastic opportunity to see the best in college basketball up close. Check it out if you are so inclined.

Yi Jianlian is going to play for the Milwaukee Bucks after all after signing a contract yesterday. Amongst provisions in his contract are undoubtedly that Yi will have a new Chinese girlfriend flown in for him every month and will never have to perform the chicken dance in public.