Posted by The Sultan on April 6, 2009
It’s here boys and girls. Opening day of the 2009 baseball season. This is always a great time of year for the true sports fan, and the diehard cowhide junkie. Not only will the bats crack and the gloves pop this afternoon, but the Men’s Basketball National Title will tip off at 9:21 PM Eastern time. The Sultan has maintained an impressive bracket thus far. Hopefully you can say the same. He picked the Tar Heels to take down the nets by night’s end. The Sultan correctly picked the Rock, Chalk, Kansas Jayhawks in last years tournament, so hopefully he can continue the winning streak for another year.
As you know, The Sultan has been on vacation from the daily saga of rants, but will resume posting his thoughts very soon. For the loyal Sultanite, thanks for your patronage and patience.
In closing, The Sultan has created a fantasy baseball league on espn.com, and desperately needs participation. If you think you have what it takes to topple The Sultan, email him at sultanblog@gmail.com for more information. Until next time, keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in Baseball, College Basketball | Tagged: 2009 Final Four, Baseball, Basketball, Detroit, ESPN, Fantasy Baseball, Ford Field, Michigan State Spartans, MLB, National Championship, NCAA, North Carlina Tar Heels, Opening Day, Roy Williams, Tom Izzo, UNC | Leave a Comment »
Posted by The Sultan on February 17, 2009
Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. And able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Tim Tebow, uh, I mean Dwight Howard. No… What’s that guy’s name? Oh yeah! Superman can do it all. The iconic superhero doesn’t need any gimmicks or gizmo’s; he saves the world on pure strength and morale. If it wasn’t for that thing called Kryptonite. It’s Superman’s only weakness in our entire universe and beyond. Just look at Krypto-Nate Robinson and this weekend’s Slam Dunk contest.
Baseball is America’s game. It’s a sport that has long been beloved deep within the hearts of fans across the world. Whether they are 3-year olds being told the “Yankees Suck” or your rocking chair residing grandfather telling the tales of past greats, we all love baseball. Nothing is better than the warm sunshine of springtime. You can’t beat the crack of the bat, the roar of the fans. The boos and hisses. The amazing plays and astonishing performances. The 7th inning stretch or “Sweet Caroline”. The playoff push and the chill in the air by season’s end. The list is infinite and fitting for a timeless game. But for every great thing, there is a fault. An Achilles’ heel. A Kryptonite.
The processed supplements found in syringes, pills or powders are baseball’s Kryptonite. Unfortunately this steroid era has managed to make everyone skeptical about players once heralded as “heroes” and “role models”. It’s become harder and harder to love the game that ripped the trust right out of our cowhide covered hearts. Records are now being questioned. The endless hours of blood, sweat and tears shed to become great are no longer being praised, but investigated. Because of this growing number of juiced scumbags, the players who have respected and honored America’s Game are being cheated. They are deprived of success and proper recognition just because they were clean in a soiled generation. Everything these players do will forever be marked by an asterisk; an asterisk to note the steroid era. This little symbol can easily go unnoticed. The Sultan sometimes has a hard time remembering its place on his keyboard. For the rest of time this small punctuation will mark a question, “Steroid Generation: Were they really clean?” This era of baseball will forever be tarnished because many of our “heroes” and “greats” have shown to have a completely skewed moral compass.
The Sultan feels terrible for the Albert Pujols’ of the world. These type of players have busted their back ends for years and years, only to be questioned instead of recognized. The more productive they are, the more caution arises. With more home runs, RBI’s and higher batting averages comes, “Is he juiced?” So thank you Alex Rodriguez. Thanks Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi. Hats off to you, Rafael Palmero and Miguel Tejada. You all, along with many others, have ruined the game of baseball. You spit in the face of the Joe DiMaggio’s, Mickey Mantle’s, Stan Musials, Ted Williams’ and Hank Aaron’s of previous generations. You stomped the trust and admiration that fans of the game once had. You have ruined baseball for the millions of kids playing tee-ball. Because of your actions, the kid that’s playing tee-ball will grow up to be the next superstar, only to be forever questioned. That future superstar will be forced to pee in a cup his entire career. He will always be under an incredible microscope because of your selfish and gutless actions.
The penalties that come with positive tests are what bug The Sultan. They are merely a slap on the wrist because Bud Selig and his cronies don’t want to lose the revenue that comes with steroids. Home runs and 100 mph fastballs generate interest. That interest results in TV viewership and ticket and merchandise purchases. Those purchases mean big bucks for Major League Baseball. Selig is the highest paid commissioner in all sports leagues. He may proclaim how horrible steroids are for the game, but deep down he isn’t willing to take a pay cut. It’s time to come down hard on the game. No more warnings and second-chances. The first time you test positive, you’re gone for a year, starting from the date of the positive test. With a positive test should come salary cuts. If you aren’t clean, you can’t make over a certain amount of money; you shouldn’t be rewarded for cheating. After a player’s suspension, they must be tested every week for the rest of their career. A second time offense? Gone forever. There should be no ifs, ands or buts about it. If baseball would take the punishments to the extreme, the juice would dwindle significantly. Also, let’s expose every single cheater that’s been involved with these drugs. Every confidential name should be brought to the light. The public deserves to know who stabbed them in the back. A-Roid had something to hide, who else is there?
What really ticks The Sultan off, is the Hall of Fame debate. Many of these steroid users are becoming eligible for the Hall, and some will definitely get in. Lots of voters have said that stats overrule off-the-field allegations. That’s complete baloney. The needles filled with performance-enhancers have generated the stats that nominate these players for baseball’s highest honor. It’s definitely not the other way around. What’s completely erroneous is the fact that juicers are eligible for the Hall, but the game’s greatest hitter, Pete Rose, is not. Charlie Hustle is arguably the best player and competitor to ever grace the diamond, and there never has or will be a better hitter. Yes, he gambled on baseball while as a manager. He’s done his time and paid the price. Rose did not cheat baseball during his playing career. He didn’t cheat himself, his teammates, peers or fans while becoming one of the all-time greats. Meanwhile, players have injected themselves with performance-enhancers just so they can maybe come within earshot of Pete Rose’s milestones. It’s time for Rose to be inducted into baseball’s elite fraternity. Time has shown that his crime to the game is dwarfed when compared to the greed that lies within baseball’s steroid users. In The Sultan’s opinion, anyone who has been injected with a needle filled with “the juice” should never, ever grace Cooperstown. Keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in Baseball, Etiquette | Tagged: A-Roid, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Baseball, Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseball Steroid Users, Baseball Writers of America, Baseball's Steroid Era, Bud Selig, Charlie Hustle, Cooperstown, Drug Testing, Dwight Howard, Hank Aaron, HGH, Jason Giambi, Joe DiMaggio, Juiced, Mickey Mantle, Miguel Tejada, Mitchell Report, MLB, Nate Robinson, Performance Enhancing Drugs, Pete Rose, Rafael Palmero, Roger Clemens, Stan Musial, Steroids, Superman, Supplements, Ted Williams, Tim Tebow | Leave a Comment »
Posted by The Sultan on February 9, 2009
The NBA is worthless. Unless you are watching the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Hornets or Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA regular season shouldn’t be on basic television. Send it to those fancy premium cable channels where extra cash can buy you horrible basketball.
Why is the NBA worthless? Let The Sultan explain. Besides from a handful of teams in the league, watching the NBA is like watching the And 1 Mix Tape Tour. The National Basketball Association is all about “me, me, me”. The league is a collection of ball-hogging, highlight seeking, bad-boy wannabes that have no clue what team basketball is all about. The root of this evil comes from the slew of guards who think they are the next Jordan. There are very few offensive possessions that are designed around ball movement and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Four men stand stagnant as one “professional” attempts numerous ball tricks and juke moves before either firing the ball towards the iron or dumping it down low.
Let The Sultan clarify his rant. He has lots of love for the “bigs” in the NBA. They are not the ones to blame for this type of sport we’re calling professional basketball. If you are a #4 or 5 player in the NBA, you are, if The Sultan may use his best slang, nasty. The roles of these big men are to dominate the paint which usually results in their team’s domination. When the giants down low receive the ball, their job is to work for high percentage points, rebounds, and drawing attention away from the perimeter. The Sultan could use an entire post talking about the premier big men of the NBA, but that’s not what today’s argument is about.
The Sultan is concerned for the style of basketball that is showcased at our highest level. Because of this, The Sultan would watch any college basketball game over a marquee matchup in the NBA. Collegiate players have a burning edge and desire that is lost in many professional players. This fire is subdued by the dollar signs and TV time that comes with being a star at the next level. Too many players are concerned with stats, exposure and highlights, which in turn leads to bigger contracts and more money. Many athletes will hold onto the ball for the majority of the 24 second shot clock if it results in points. Thankfully, there are a slew of fabulous coaches and mentors within the college ranks that help keep this street ball style off of the campuses.
If you want a great example of this type of egotistical NBA player, just watch for #24 in a gold and purple uniform. He usually flaunts his abilities, flashes his grin and pounds his chest in front of the star-studded crowd at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. That’s right. His name is Kobe Bryant. He is heralded as the greatest player in the NBA because of the stats he has recorded throughout his career. Don’t get me wrong, Bryant is a great basketball player, but he isn’t all he is cracked up to be. When was the last time Kobe dished the rock in the final minutes of a close game? (Great example here.) Or when was the last time Kobe mustered up a triple-double? The fact is, Kobe Bryant is a ball hog. It sounds like the playground banter from elementary school, but it’s the truth. All you have to do is research deeper into #24’s stats. Look at the field goal percentage from outside of the paint, along with the number of shot attempts. Any time you heave 25-30 shots towards the net, you’re bound to make a few buckets and rack up points.
If you want the definition of a true dominant basketball player in this day and age, look at LeBron James. After Kobe’s “magnificent” 61 point performance at Madison Square Garden, King James showed the New York crowd how to really play dominant basketball. LeBron tallied 52 points of his own, but they came in a triple-double. The largest point total in a triple double since the merger. Yes, LeBron can sometimes be selfish with the basketball, but he puts team first. He has pushed for a more dynamic supporting cast in Cleveland since his arrival, all in hopes of winning a championship. The Cavaliers are finally seeing the results of hard work and unselfish play as they have become one of the best teams in the league.
If you’re looking for the definition of the best player in the NBA; a player that personifies the way basketball should be played, watch a New Orleans Hornets game and the jaw-dropping ability of Chris Paul. CP3 can do it all. He can score inside or outside. He can pick your pocket on defense, and he has the type of vision that mortal humans experience while playing their XBox. Paul looks to win basketball games. He doesn’t try to light up the scoreboard or Top 10 plays with jumpshots. CP3 wants to win at all costs. He scores when needed, makes the crucial and perfectly precise pass, and makes the marvelous defensive play that swings the game’s momentum. Because of his well-rounded play, he has become one of the best in the league. Not because he wanted a new shoe endorsement or monumental contract. Chris Paul wants to win.
The teams mentioned at the beginning of this post are more concerned with all 5 men on the court rather than their superstar. That reason alone is why those teams are championship threats. The Boston Celtics are a perfect example of team basketball. It could be very easy for the Big Three to try and outplay one another, instead of the other team. Because of their passion for the game, Doc Rivers, and the many Celtic greats before them, the Big Three play some of the best basketball that you can find at any level. Remember that there is no “I” in TEAM.
So who do we blame for the selfish basketball that is being played by the majority of NBA teams? Why has the game taken a turn towards greed and individuality? You could blame several people. You can blame Michael Jordan. You could accuse Larry Bird and Magic Johnson as well. The greatest players of previous generations are at fault for the current NBA. These players were phenomenal, and in The Sultan’s mind, will never be surpassed in their greatness. Michael Jordan didn’t just want to win, he wanted to dominate. If that required him taking the buzzer beater, he would do it. If it meant he would play decoy and allow his teammates to shine, he would do it. Number 23 is the best to ever play the game. He would have played just as hard and as phenomenal for free. Jordan dominated the game of basketball while part of the best modern NBA dynasty. Because of his greatness, Michael Jordan has caused the league to become a playground pick-up game. Every player that steps onto the hardwood wants to be MJ. They want to show why they think they’re “great”. Jordan didn’t become great because he sought to do so, he became the best because of the size of the heart in his chest and his passion for basketball.
The Sultan does not have many answers as to how we can turn the entire NBA back to what it used to be, but he does know this: there will never be another Michael Jordan. Much like there will never be another Larry Bird, Magic Johnson or Bill Russell. The current NBA players should focus on their role within their team and what’s required to win titles. You aren’t dubbed as being great after several weeks of action. You become the best after years and years of service to your team and the game.
The Sultan is just thankful that there is a thing called College Basketball. Keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in NBA | Tagged: Ball-Hog, Big Three, Bill Russell, Boston Celtics, Cheerleaders, Chicago Bulls, Chris Paul, Cleveland Cavaliers, College Basketball, CP3, Doc Rivers, Greed in Sports, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, LeBron James, Madison Square Garden, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, NBA, NBA Dynasty, NBA Stats, NCAA, New Orleans Hornets, Paul Pierce, Professional Athletes Contracts, Ray Allen, San Antonio Spurs, SportsCenter, Staples Center, XBox | Leave a Comment »
Posted by The Sultan on February 3, 2009
It’s very easy to let your emotions get in the way of making rational decisions. It’s easy to smoke a 300-yard drive with a tight draw past your buddy and say, “that’s the best drive I’ve ever hit.” It’s common to see a perfectly executed, reverse, double-pass, trick play for a touchdown and exclaim, “that’s the best play ever!” The Sultan knows that his emotions are still running full throttle after Sunday’s Super Bowl, but can confidently say that Super Bowl XLIII was the best Super Bowl ever.
It’s easy to do. The game is fresh in everyone’s mind and it can be difficult to recall details from Super Bowls of decades past. Take a closer look at the ingredients within the Tampa Tussle and try and find something that doesn’t make Sunday’s game magical. You can’t do it. Super Bowl XLIII had everything: the suspense, the great plays, the horrendous plays, the mistakes, and historical performances. The list can go on and on.
Many will argue that Super Bowl XLII was the best game played since the championship’s creation almost half a century ago. The Sultan will concede that is was a fabulous game, but it is second to the battle between Arizona and Pittsburgh. Sunday’s game will have at least a dozen highlights that will be still be replayed for our children’s children’s children. The 43rd Super Bowl had the longest play in the game’s history with James Harrison’s unbelievable interception return. It featured Larry Fitzgerald breaking remarkable records set by the great Jerry Rice. (Rice is the current King of Receivers, but will soon give up his crown to Fitzgerald.) We had the first safety in the Super Bowl in ages. Everyone witnessed a thrilling comeback, only to be outdone by an impeccable 2-minute drill. We saw a touchdown catch that will live in Steeler and NFL lore for all eternity. This win gave Pittsburgh their 6th Super Bowl title; the most of any other franchise in the league and a benchmark that should stand for a long time to come. It was the greatest Super Bowl of all time.
The Hollywood guru’s could not have come up with a better script. Bruce Springsteen, one of the symbols of Americana, performed at halftime. What more could you ask for, for goodness’ sake?! When the 100th Super Bowl is played, they will more than likely look back at 99 games before it. Sure, this game could be trumped within 47 years, but it’s been the best of the first 43. What a way to put a gigantic exclamation point on the NFL season.
Keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in NFL | Tagged: Arizona Cardinals, Cheerleaders, Greatest Games Ever Played, James Harrison, Jerry Rice, Larry Fitzgerald, Larry Fitzgerald Records, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Steelers History, Super Bowl, Super Bowl History, Super Bowl XLII, Super Bowl XLIII, Tampa Bay | Leave a Comment »
Posted by The Sultan on February 1, 2009
It’s here boys and girls. The big game has finally arrived. The waiting and anticipation from the first day of training camp has culminated to the NFL’s grandest stage. It’s where legends are born. It’s where even the strongest of statues can crumble. It’s where memories are made. It’s where team’s “Shock the World” or “Complete the 6-pack”. It’s the Super Bowl.
The Sultan knows that everyone is just about tired of hearing the relentless analysis and insight that everyone has delivered over the past two weeks. Even though we may grow annoyed with these talking heads, it is all worth it. This is the biggest game in the sport of football. Everyone plans their entire weekend around two teams. Major companies plan their entire marketing scheme around you, the fan, as you stay glued to your televisions during this monumental game.
Since everyone, including The Sultan, is anxiously awaiting kickoff, he’ll keep his analysis and prediction short and sweet. By know, you’ve heard everything you need to know about the game. You’ve probably picked the winner, thought about it, and changed your mind at least 6 times during these 2 weeks. Here’s another wrench for your own analysis, compliments of The Sultan.
The Arizona Cardinals will win Super Bowl XLIII. Yes, they are underdogs. Yes, they have never been to a Super Bowl in franchise history. And yes, they have the second longest title drought in all of sports behind the Chicago Cubs. These are the very reasons The Sultan has picked these desert dwelling birds to hoist the Lombardi Trophy by night’s end.
Once you widdle the entire NFL down to 2 teams, it’s really tough to pick a winner. Both teams have proven their place amongst the elite. Last season was an exception, as the New York Football Giants were HUGE underdogs. They did the unthinkable, which will only give this edition’s underdogs more motivation and hope. There are loads of reasons as to why you could pick either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Arizona Cardinals to win this game. The Sultan is a big fan of defense, so it’s hard for him to pick against the Steel City. The deciding factor will be the offenses, for a change, in Super Bowl XLIII.
Arizona’s offense is running on all cylinders right now and has proved to be explosive throughout the playoffs. Pittsburgh’s offense has been efficient, but has never shown an ability to light up the scoreboard. The game will hinge on the Cardinals’ offensive possessions. All eyes have been focused on Larry Fitzgerald over the past 2 weeks, and rightfully so. He is, in The Sultan’s mind, the best receiver in the league. Because of all this attention, other playmakers for Arizona will be left unnoticed and in a position to shine. Fitzgerald will have another great game, but don’t be surprised if it’s a lesser known player that makes the crucial play. The Sultan believes Kurt Warner and his posse is talented enough to crack Steel Curtain II. That leaves the Steelers in a shootout situation; a situation that they have had limited exposure towards. The Sultan believes that Arizona will build a two possession lead heading into the 4th quarter. This will be too much for Pittsburgh to overcome, as their offense is designed for clock management, rather than quick scores.
Nevertheless, this will be a fantastic game, just like all 42 other Super Bowls. It’s a celebration of the year that was, ending with a new King of the Hill. Whichever team is victorious will gain immediate praise from The Sultan, as they finished their year on the highest of notes. Enjoy the fellowship and fun that comes with the Super Bowl and keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in NFL | Tagged: Arizona Cardinals, Cheerleaders, Defense, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, NFL, NFL Playoffs, Offense, Pittsburgh Steelers, Shock the World, Steel Curtain, Steelers Six-Pack, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLII, Super Bowl XLIII, Tampa Bay, Vince Lombardi Trophy | 1 Comment »
Posted by The Sultan on January 29, 2009
Hello again from The Sultan! Hopefully his loyal Sultanites have not forgotten about the head-spinning rants that come from this site. The Sultan apologizes for his absence recently, but has not really been burning on too many topics. The NBA regular season is worthless, baseball hasn’t started back yet, college basketball is in it’s awkward stage and everyone and their mother is talking about the Super Bowl. The Sultan will give a full breakdown and analysis on the big game from his point of view very soon, but doesn’t want to over-analyse every quote and every report that you’ve already heard.
Last night’s game between Duke and Wake Forest has brought The Sultan out of hibernation. First of all, let The Sultan clarify that he has no allegiance to any basketball powerhouse within the state of North Carolina. He enjoys the rich tradition and competitiveness of the Big Three: Duke, UNC and Wake. With that being said, let’s move on to today’s rant…
It’s time for everyone to realize that Duke is not the same Duke we knew 10 to 20 years ago. This four letter word holds great history, therefore the Blue Devils always remain among the top ranked teams in the nation. But the recent Duke teams have simply not lived up to the hype. Maybe it’s the gosh-awful black jerseys or maybe Coach K is burning out. It’s clear to see the Cameron Crazies have gotten soft, along with trigger happy players that grace their hallowed floor. Because Duke is Duke, they will continue to have very talented players and successful seasons for many years to come. They just won’t win a national championship with the type of basketball that’s displayed in Durham right now.
What happened to the physicality of Duke? What happened to having 5 studs on the floor at all times? Where is this generation’s Christian Laettner, Elton Brand, Shane Battier and Grant Hill? They have all been replaced by weak and egotistical perimeter players. The Sultan will admit to all Duke faithful that Gerald Henderson has begun to fill the role of a dominant player from days past, but one man can’t make a team great.
The Sultan is disappointed in Coach K. He has underachieved in the eyes of Duke faithful in recent years. Don’t interpret The Sultan in the wrong way; Coach K is a fabulous coach. He’s displayed that through his many years of service to the game, especially his recent success with Team USA in the Olympics. Basically, Krzyzewski has forgotten how to win championships in college basketball. You can win many, many games based on speed and athleticism alone, but you simply have to have an inside presence to cut down the nets. This was extremely evident in last night’s game. For 35 minutes, Wake Forest worked Duke at both ends of the floor. If the young Wake squad would not have practically tried to give the game away in the last 5 minutes, the margin of victory would have easily been double digits.
Sure, the Blue Devils have had some very convincing wins so far this season. If you look closely, they have won these games solely on the fast break. For instance, Duke simply ran all over a very weak Maryland team in route to a record breaking victory. They didn’t need elaborate schemes and set-ups when facing an inferior opponent. When this team is forced into a half-court style of play, like they were last night and will be against other good teams in March, they struggle significantly. Here is Duke’s offensive outlook that disturbs The Sultan: four perimeter shooters move around their spots beyond the arc, with only one player down low. This lone Dukie within the 3-point line is on an island by himself, often scared to take the possession into the paint. This lack of inside presence allows the defense to concentrate on the perimeter threat. What results is a lackluster combination of passes and ball screens, with someone finally pulling the trigger from the outside. There is no chance for an offensive rebound, as there is usually only one or two Dukies charging the rim against at least 3 opposing giants. The Blue Devils could have built a new gym with the abundance of bricks they brought to Winston-Salem.
Duke will have another successful season, like we have come to expect. They won’t be totally frozen from 3-point land all the time, and will also win many games based on pure talent. But unless significant offensive changes are made, the Blue Devils will be making another early exit from the Big Dance. As The Sultan has said time and time again, every possession counts in March. You can’t waste opportunities. The team that breaks out the ladder and scissors at the end of the season is always far from one-dimensional. These teams can beat you at any style of play; inside, outside, up-tempo or mythotical. Right now, Duke is one-dimensional. That’s not a championship caliber formula.
Go ahead Cameron Crazies, start ripping The Sultan for his remarks. He’s sure he’s got it “all wrong”. But if you take the time to look at the situation from a neutral standpoint, you will see The Sultan is exactly right. Premier basketball is a physical game and Duke is not physical. Plain and simple. Championships are won with unselfish play. Duke has 5 ball-hogs on the court at all time, just wishing to be the next J.J. Redick. It’s time to hit the recruiting trail Coach K. Time to bring in some big bruisers instead of highlight-seeking jumpshooters. Until Duke regains more dimensions within their scheme of play, they will continue to be over-rated and disappointing.
Keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in College Basketball | Tagged: Cameron Crazies, Cameron Indoor Stadium, Cheerleaders, Christian Laettner, Coach K, College Basketball, Duke Black Jerseys, Duke Blue Devils, Duke Offense, Durham, Elton Brand, Gerald Henderson, Grant Hill, J.J. Redick, March Madness, Mike Krzyzewski, NCAA, North Carolina Tar Heels, Shane Battier, Team USA Basketball, Wake Forest Demon Decons, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment »
Posted by The Sultan on January 19, 2009
…That one day we will have a playoff in College Football…
Ok, The Sultan admits that there is no way to use those 4 powerful words anyway better than the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did several decades ago. Today has been set aside to remember this remarkable man and all that he did in his short life. Dr. King paved the path towards the end of segregation and the closed minded world that was present in the mid 1900’s. He would be proud to see the world today. The United States is a melting pot full of many diverse heritages, skin colors and cultures. To top it all off, the people of this great nation have elected their first black president. Tomorrow, Dr. King will be smiling upon us all. While some businesses and schools observe this holiday with a day off, most people are experiencing another Monday as usual. Whatever you have on your plate for today, please take a moment to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If it wasn’t for his vision and courage, our country would be a far different place today. Also, if you have the time, re-read the famous “Dream” speech. If you pay attention and soak it in, you will realize the wonders of Dr. King. Many critics and professionals have said that King’s “Dream” speech is the greatest speech ever written and delivered. After studying many great deliveries, The Sultan has to agree.
Meanwhile, let’s shift our attention back towards the gridiron. Even though The Sultan picked both games incorrectly yesterday, he is very proud of the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. We will have a tremendous Super Bowl in two weeks. First of all, what a great time to be a fan of the underdog. This fall it was the Tampa Bay Rays going from worst to first in the American League. Now the Arizona Cardinals are kings of the NFC. Every week The Sultan becomes more and more impressed with Larry Fitzgerald. While at Pittsburgh, The Sultan knew Fitzgerald had the potential to be something special in the NFL. Unfortunately, he disappeared with the poor play of the Cardinals in recent years. Thanks to their resurgence, Fitzgerald is finally getting the recognition he deserves. It is evident that he is the best receiver in the NFL. Best hands, best balance, best awareness, best vertical, best route running. It all adds up to equal the most dynamic wideout in the league.
The Sultan would also like to give props to Steeler head coach Mike Tomlin. Whenever Tomlin was hired as The Chin’s replacement, The Sultan was very excited. He loved the intensity and attitude brought by the new head honcho. He also gives the best press conferences of anyone in the league. Want a good one liner? Watch a Mike Tomlin interview. Thanks to a dominant Pittsburgh defense, Tomlin will get his first opportunity to win a Super Bowl for the storied franchise. The Steeler defense looked fabulous in yesterday’s contest against Baltimore. It’s a defense that star safety Troy Polamalu has dubbed as the “best he’s ever played with”. Unfortunately, it was evident that the Raven contingent was simply fatigued. Nevertheless, it was one of the hardest hitting games The Sultan has witnessed in recent memory. We have lots of time to break down the big game, so The Sultan won’t do it all in today’s post.
Enjoy MLK Day and reminisce on the NFL season that has culminated to the grandest stage in two weeks. Keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in NFL | Tagged: AFC Championship, Arizona Cardinals, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I Hate The BCS, I Have A Dream Speech, Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Tomlin, MLK Day, NFC Championship, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XLIII, Troy Polamalu | 1 Comment »
Posted by The Sultan on January 18, 2009
It’s been a long bumpy road Sultanites, but we’re almost there. The Super Bowl is in the immediate future as we are one day away from the two week media hoopla that surrounds football’s biggest game.
Besides the Panther’s horrible loss last week, The Sultan picked the other 3 divisional games correctly and is looking to ride that momentum into today’s picks. For the first time ever, a #4 seed is hosting a championship game and we also have an opportunity for two #6 seeds to make the Super Bowl. It all comes down to this. Here’s what The Sultan thinks:
Baltimore at Pittsburgh. Both regular season games between these two squads were instant classics. The first ending on an overtime field goal and the other with a controversial last second TD. The Steelers are the only remaining team that should actually be this deep into the playoffs. They will match up against a Ravens team that hasn’t had an off week since week 2. Most everything points towards another Pittsburgh birth in the Super Bowl, but The Sultan has other ideas. He believes that three will be the charm for the pesky Baltimore Ravens. They are currently playing with house money, and we all know how dangerous house money can prove to be. Today’s game will come down to two things: defense and the ground attack. Both defenses almost cancel each other out because of their depth and success. That brings us to the ground. Whichever team is more productive in their rushing attack will prevail in a very close game. The longer an offense stays on the field, the longer they keep the opposing defense on it. That means fatigue for the defense and loss of rhythm for the offense. The Ravens will win this game because of their ability to run the ball and the lack of mistakes from Joe Flacco. Ray Lewis and the Ravens will but constant pressure on Pittsburgh’s suspect O-Line and disrupt the flow of Big Ben. The slew of Baltimore veterans will not allow their team to lose another heartbreaker to the hands of the Terrible Towels and will prevail in an instant classic.
Philadelphia at Arizona. It almost doesn’t seen right that the Giant Toaster is hosting the NFC Championship game. Somehow, the Cardinals have proven their new found success and find themselves one win away from an improbable Super Bowl birth. This matchup features a strong Eagles defense against an explosive Cardinals offense. We all know the old cliche that The Sultan is prone to deliver in these situations, so he will spare you from hearing it again. After the Giants run through last year’s postseason, we all know that anything is possible come January. This year’s edition will prove to be no different as The Sultan predicts the Eagles to win this football game. They will not win with ease, but will put the game away in the fourth quarter, much like they did last week in the Meadowlands. The Philadelphia veterans have been in this situation many times, unlike many of the Cardinal’s roster. The experience will be a deciding factor. Brian Dawkins and Donovan McNabb will have massive games to lead their team to an NFC Championship and a battle between two No. 6 seeds in Tampa. There has also been a lot of speculation on the status and productivity of Brian Westbrook. His knee will not hinder the Eagles specialist in the least bit. The Sultan firmly believes that Westbrook will finally break out of his slump to help Philadelphia’s offense explode against Arizona; much like their Thanksgiving battle earlier in the season.
There will be a common theme in these two games: veterans. The veterans of every team will have huge games today to lead their teams to victory. The leaders of both Baltimore and Philadelphia are beginning to realize that their opportunities are fading. Based on that fact alone, they both will not let this chance slip away, especially now they are this close to the prize.
Enjoy the games. No matter the outcomes, we will have a great Super Bowl in two weeks. Keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in NFL | Tagged: AFC Championship, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger, Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook, Cheerleaders, Donovan McNabb, Joe Flacco, Meadowlands, NFC Championship, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Ray Lewis, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLIII, Terrible Towels | 2 Comments »
Posted by The Sultan on January 16, 2009
Welcome back to The Sultan’s collection of head-spinning rants. For those of you concerned, The Sultan is still active in the sports world. He has been M.I.A. recently, and apologizes for his absence.
The Sultan just wanted to drop a quick rant on the connection between athletes and politics. For those of you who are unaware, Tiger Woods will be speaking at the “We Are One” concert/performance at Barack Obama’s Presidential inauguration. The Sultan has mixed emotions about this event. Let him explain why.
The Sultan has always frowned upon celebrities voicing their opinions with the political landscape. Most celebrities have little or no clue to what the issues really are or what certain candidates believe in. They use their fame and fortune to give their opinion. Unfortunately, many votes are swayed because many citizens are greatly influenced by these “role models”. Stars should keep these opinions to themselves, and let the most qualified people make the decisions on how to run the country. What celebrities say or do will never impact how our nation is governed. The Sultan did not enjoy the shoe decorations and other nonsense that were found in the NBA on Election Day. Many stars used their TV time to promote their beliefs. Opinions that The Sultan could care less about. Besides this occurrence, it is very rare to hear professional athletes give their take on government.
That brings us to Tiger Woods. Tiger has defied many odds and stereotypes throughout his entire career. On his journey, he has become the most recognizable athlete on the face of the planet through his achievements on the golf course and in society. The Sultan is very, very nervous about what Mr. Woods will say come Tuesday. He is walking on extremely thin ice. But with that being said, he would not want any other athlete to address the country during this historic occasion. Tiger is extremely intelligent, charismatic and well-spoken. He is the perfect celebrity for this occasion due to this, and to being a minority. Obama and Woods are both of mixed heritage and have succeeded in their respective fields, against all odds. Because of that similarity, Woods is the perfect candidate to deliver a speech. Phil Mickelson or Davis Love III could not have the impact that Tiger will bring.
For the sake of athletics and the world of sport, The Sultan hopes that Tiger will make appropriate comments that elaborate on this milestone without overusing his celebrity . After witnessing Tiger’s career, The Sultan knows that he won’t embarrass himself, his sport, or athletics. It is great to know that there is a well-rounded face to turn to in the sports world.
Regardless of your beliefs and affiliations, Tuesday will live forever in American history. The Sultan is proud to know that a golfer will be called upon to help cement the occasion. It shows a lot about the sport and the people who play it. Good luck, Tiger. The world will be watching, but we all know that you have succeeded on that stage many times before.
Keep it in the shortgrass…
-The Sultan
Posted in Etiquette, Golf | Tagged: Athletes, Barack Obama, Golf, Politics, Presidential Inauguration 2009, Tiger Woods, We Are One | 3 Comments »
