NFL Conference Championship 1-20-2013

The Ravens play the Patriots in a heated Foxborough battle. And, the 49ers will be visitng the Falcon's nest in Atlanta. Will this be Ray Lewis' last weekend playing football? Or, will Tom Brady lead the troops to their Super Bowl destiny? One thing is for sure. There is plenty of great football coming. My prediction is that the Ravens will beat the Patriots 32-21. The Ravens will have to be stellar on defense and special teams. Ray Lewis and company must shake up Brady to make him uncomfortable all game. I believe that the Pats "d" will come out softer than they have in the playoffs. The Falcons will take it to San Francisco 28-14. Colin will not have the composure to handle a raucous Georgia Dome. Matty Ice is borderline unbelievable at home. Atlanta has all the motivation in the world to not look bad after limping into the NFC championship last week with a very poor performance. Roddy White and Julio Jones will be all over the field. Matt Ryan will just toss it up and let them do the rest of the work. I also believe that a big reason that the 49ers will lose is their inability to run the ball at running back. Ball possession issues will be their downfall. Enjoy the game and, let's get ready for the big game. Paul E. Spors

Lance Armstrong...What a LOSER!!!!!!1-15-2013

I think the title of this article says it all. Unfortunately like other people I am giving this guy too much credit. When he fell officially off the scene about 7 years ago; I wish he had never re-entered it. This guy is such a jerk. He must not have realized that he wasn't in the MLB. For me; its not just that he lied. Its that he tried to burn EVERYONE that told the truth about him using PEDs. He lied so consistently and, tried to tarnish other reputations along the way. It disgusts me that he has accumulated such wealth from lying to an international sports audience. At one point people would have argued that he was the greatest sports athlete on the planet. What a fraud!!! I guess maybe he was running out of money and, needs to sell some books. Another point that really irritates me; is why now? What is it about right now that he has to come forward to do this interview with Oprah. He is so not newsworthy and, not worth any real journalists time/energy. An apology now is just too late and, seemingly VERY insincere. He has had many, many years to do this by now. This blog is dedicated to the fact that I hope we NEVER hear from this clown again. That he won't sell any books and, that every time he goes into the grocery store that people stop and stare then say...."There goes that loser that lied to the whole world about his capabilities. And, he's a terrible person for trying to wreck other people's reputation for his own benefit." I hope parents tell their children..."Don't be like this guy!!" Paul E. Spors

Who "is" the best active NFL Quarterback? 1-14-2013

While on some social media websites I have seen a lot of knocking on Peyton Manning. About how he now has the most losses in playoff history. My problem with this logic is that (other than Mr. Brady) no one has been to the playoffs more consistently than him since 2000. Numbers wise Manning makes a great argument. Mr. Brady is another great pick. Today moving ahead of Joe Montana for the most wins in playoff history. No question that he has earned his honorable mention. For a spell of what seemed like 6 years your team could count on losing to them if you met in the playoffs. As an avid Colts fan it was a rarity to get past this jugernaut of a team led by Brady. Two others that I felt took a little bit of a back seat this year but, are on the elite list are Brees and Rodgers. If I am not mistaken Brees is the best statistically in the league for the last 5 years. And, seriously if the team you cheer for is in the NFC North and, its not the Packers Rodgers and company has done a great job of stealing your hope. Outside of these 4 players. I don't believe that anybody else can be "titled" ELITE. These 4 are the best. I think it just depends on what Sunday which one is going to play better. These 4 don't have flat Sundays. Collectively this group had like 3 down Sundays this year. They are crazy good and, have won the "BIG" game. Proven SB winners and, rings to prove it. What I am excited about is to see if this year we have a new name to decisively put on this list. Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, and, Colin Kaepernick are we going to see your best? Can you clearly rise through the ranks as "the best" and win the Lombardi trophy? Only time will tell. It appears Tom Brady has something to say about it; at least until next Sunday. Paul E. Spors

Staples Center experiences SILENCE by Thunder! 1-12-2013

Kevin Durant's Thunder dominate the Lakers tonight. The Lakers accepted their largest deficit of the season by the hand's of the Thunder of 25 points late in the 4th quarter. You know that the night is going bad when Jack Nicholson & Adam Sandler leave the game early. Durant had 25 pts. by half time. The Lakers shot 6 for 28 from three point land. Kobe had an ice cold night going 8 for 25. The Lakers looked defeated and whipped all game long. At no point did it look like they wanted to play basketball. I've seen flat tires look more energetic. LA's lack of good passing and bad rotation on defense didn't leave much to look forward to. The crowd started to boo with 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. I wondered what took them so long. Clark and Sacre appear to not be able to handle the threat of the "big" boys very well. Come on Dwight Howard how about you decide that you might benefit from acting like you at least want to be a Laker. Magic Johnson said, "Its over for the Lakers. No playoffs." After tonight's lack luster performance; I tend to agree. Kobe gives the impression that he is not in control of "his" locker room and, doesn't want to play any defense either. Too bad because I think the NBA is better when the Lakers (and Bulls) are really good. OKC and the other LA team have put the league on notice to say; "Here come the young bucks. WATCH OUT!" FINAL 116 Thunder 101 Lakers Paul E. Spors

Peyton Manning VS. Ray Lewis 1-11-2013

There has been much hype and, rightfully so over these two greats meeting tomorrow. One of them could very easily be his last game. I would argue that both of these players have something "extra" to prove tomorrow. Ray Lewis that he will go out a winner against a formidable foe. Peyton Manning needs to prove that he is the Peyton Manning of old or, maybe even better. My prediction is that the Ravens will hang in there until about half time. Then they will just lose it in the third quarter. This due to Manning's surgical and precise approach to dismantling teams. The Ravens "d" needs to be prepared to be on the field for a long time. And, the Broncos defense is definitely better than any defense Manning had in Indianapolis. Win or lose for either of these players; a lasting legacy has been made for each. One of the more interesting things about this game is that both player is as tied or synonymous with a franchise as any players to play any sport. The Ravens could easily be named the Baltimore Ray Lewis's....likewise for the Indianapolis Manning's. The score will be 35-17 Broncos. Joe Flacco will have a career deflating day. He will also look as UN-elite as he ever has. Best of luck to both teams; as well as to Lewis and Manning. As a true advocate of the game I hope that we continue to see Manning for a long time. Mr. Lewis (win or lose) it has been a fun ride and, you will be missed. I think that it would be great to see you in the analyst booth. Paul E. Spors

2013 MLB Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees**

So yesterday was the Hall of Fame induction for baseball in 2013. There were several deserving candidates on the ballot that did not get the Cooperstown nod. The top 3 snubs were Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and, Craig Biggio (in no particular order). The Hall of Fame is not a religious institution of holy order; with pomp and circumstance. If we can not elect these 3 tremendously great players to the H.o.F. then we can not elect anyone for the next 15 years. The steroid era is its own time capsule of sorts for baseball. It must be acknowledged and, if not then what person or, institution decides the morality on this issue? Just like the dead ball era it must be acknowledged. I don't see how if you are a baseball purist that you can not accept this. I have 2 other very significant reasons on why it must be acknowledged. Babe Ruth's indiscretion and, character flaws did not surface until after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Arguably one of the greatest players to have ever touched a bat. If you want to make it about moral obligation or character then; take Babe Ruth out of the Hall of Fame. As well as any player that cheated on his wife. Clearly the numbers indicate that these three players should be in the Hall. Over time baseball talent has gotten progressively better. Arguably, you have to be more talented in 2013 to play baseball than any time period in the past. The demand for talent mixed with exceptional skill is as great as ever. That being said particularly Clemens and Bonds are the best players of that era. Or, maybe even the two best players in the last 30 years. Also, why is the fact that Clemens was acquitted in a court of law (for steroid use) not taken into account? I fully understand the perspective of current ex-players in the Hall. However, to baseball and, particularly baseball's fans it is irrelevant. Do you honestly think that Jerry Rice wanted Calvin Johnson to break his single season wide receiving record? I don't think so. Hence, living members of the H.o.F. have an incentive to keep the number of members in the Hall lower. Due to its prestige and, glory. Besides the MLB turned a blind eye to steroid usage. They knew that if Sosa, McGwire, and Bonds kept bashing homers that they would make tons of money. Baseball's wreckless use of make money now and, worry about the consequences later is not acceptable. The player's knew what was going on. Steroids and, baseball will inseperably be tied. And, for that reason so should the players that used steroids make the Hall. Not having that be the case eventually; is like taking steering wheels out of cars.

NEW to Blogging.....Aspiring Sports Journalist****

This is my new blog. I have never blogged before and, barely know how to use this technological communication device. However, I plan to learn as I go. This blog is dedicated to local sports reporting (by myself) and, to new/different perspectives of sports than what you may find on ESPN or other mainstream media news outlets. I believe that I can provide informational and, intelligent dialogue to the world of sports. It is my hope that beyond providing the "information" that in some very small way it may help your life and, to learn more about the human condition we call life. One of my dreams is to become a national sports writer. I also understand that this is a goal that other people have as well. But, I figure whether or not that happens is in some ways irrelevant. I just really, really enjoy sports. Hopefully other sports enthusiasts/fans find this blog and, contribute (intelligently & respectfully) in that process. HERE WE/I GO!!!!!!!! Paul E. Spors