Pat Summit: The Pioneer of Women’s Basketball

Yesterday, the world lost a true pioneer as Pat Summit the legendary Tennessee Lady Vols lost her four-year battle with dementia a form of Alzheimer’s disease. She was the reason I ever watched women’s college basketball! Her basketball resume is unmatched you could put her up against any basketball coach in history men or women she would hold her own.

In her 38 seasons she shattered the record books while creating the “dynasty” and brand of Tennessee women’s basketball. She has the most career wins (1098) in NCAA history setting the standard for every college coach to chase after. The measuring stick for every coach is championships, she definitely accomplished that goal, cutting down the nets eight times in her record 31 NCAA tournament appearances.

Additionally, she was the National Coach of the year seven times and the SEC coach of the year eight times. She not only transformed the University of Tennessee she also transformed women’s basketball in the Olympics, she led team USA to five gold medals and four silver medals. She did it all, as a coach and the legacy will never be matched.

More importantly, she cared about every single player and person involved at the University of Tennessee.  She  expected  perfection on the court and in the classroom. She achieved something that is unthinkable in today’s age of winning is all that matters, she had a 100% graduation rate not only molding great basketball players, but well-rounded well spoken women.

Every college program should be modeled after what Summit created on and off the court in Knoxville. It was a sisterhood the lessons Summit taught her players will live on   forever.The world and the game of basketball will not be the same without coach Summits’ wisdom. Rest in peace you will be missed!

Muhammad Ali A True Hero

Last night the world lost a true icon and boxing legend Mohammed Ali. Although, I didn’t get to witness firsthand the impact he made worldwide; I do understand he was a great man, a great athlete and one-of-a-kind! When you think of boxing the first thing that comes to your mind is Mohammed Ali. He shaped the sport into what it is today with his domination and confidence.

His record was amazing he was a three-time heavyweight champion and of his 61 total fights he was victorious in 56 of them. Furthermore 37 of those wins came in knockout fashion I guess he liked putting his opponents out of their misery. Even more impressive he had just five career defeats. In addition, he won Olympic gold at the 1960 summer games. He no doubt was “The GREATEST.” I wish I could’ve seen him in action I’m sure it was a sight to behold.

Outside of the ring he was much of the same stubborn and confident, stood up for what he believed in. He was arrested for draft evasion because he refused to kill anyone. Pretty noble because he sacrificed his freedom and career for integrity something that was hard to come by during that time period as black and white equality was still settling in. He spent five years in prison and forfeited three years of his boxing career. This shows you what you believe in does matter, just put your foot down and someone will eventually listen.

Ali was unfortunately diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, but he didn’t let that stop him. He continued to be a great humanitarian in 2002 he went to Afghanistan and was the U.N messenger of peace. One of the many contributions he made to the world, despite his illness. For those selfless acts he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Citizens Medal.

As you can see, Mohammed Ali was much more than boxing; he enriched the world and made it a much better place. Also he was a miniature Yogi Berra with some of his poignant quotes that stop and make you think. Rest in Peace you will be missed!

 

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”. 

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life”.

“I am the greatest; I said that even before I knew I was”.

“Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer”.

 

Scott’s legacy lives on

One year ago today we said goodbye to a broadcast legend Stuart Scott after a seven-year battle with cancer. He had the best attitudes and perspectives on life while battling the disease, he delivered one of the most inspirational speeches ever exactly what Jim Valvano wanted when he gave the original Never Give Up speech 21 years ago. Scott famously said “you beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live.” A quote that will live on forever, no matter what struggles we go through in life that’s the best part about it.

Scott was a fixture on ESPN every time I saw him on TV it made me smile; I knew he would make me laugh with one of his famous catchphrases “As cool as the other side of the pillow” or “BOO-YAH” makes me smile just thinking about it. He genuinely cared about everyone he worked with and the audiences he touched. A true pioneer in the sports broadcasting world and as a person that is looking to crack into the sports industry he has greatly inspired me. He was so grateful with his words and how he carried himself in front of the camera!

Scott made the best out of an unfortunate situation living life to the fullest every minute he had! He may be gone, but his life and legacy will live on forever!! Thank you for everything!!

 

Coach Rivera the Conductor

What a difference a year makes for the Carolina Panthers and coach Ron Rivera. Last season we were just starting our magical run just realizing our potential and proving to the NFL that we were a team that needed to be taken seriously. Fast forward a year we are chasing perfection and have a legitimate shot at the Lombardi trophy! The players are the ultimate deciders of what happened with game by game, but I feel when coach Ron Rivera adopted his alter ego riverboat Ron taking chances going for it on fourth downs, putting trust in his guys to make the plays and ready to take the criticism if they didn’t work out.

It showed the players that he trusted their abilities they are in the NFL for a reason and will do anything to win. I think the players were able to relax and began this magical run that’s seen a professional sports team have more fun than ever. The 2015 Panthers are a brotherhood, not just a football team and Rivera has instilled that into every player fan and coach as we continue to the ultimate goal.

One of my favorite things about coach Rivera is he allows the players to keep their personality and the fact is, our roster has many with quarterback Cam Newton and Cornerback Josh Norman to name a few not only does he embrace it he defends it and reprimands it when needed. He understands doing your job you can have fun when doing your job, but he also is big on maintaining your focus and handling success! After Sunday’s near debacle against the New York Giants that saw us almost blow a 28 point lead and get into a few scuffles that were out of character for our entire team he laid into his team for not focusing and keeping their composure.

We may be 14-0, but he understands this is the National Football League and anyone can come back and he relayed that message very clear in the locker room after the game safety Roman Harper said  “it was the most disappointed 14-0 locker room he’s ever seen”. Coach Rivera has the pulse of this team and knows how to handle  every situation. I have the ultimate respect for him and the winning culture, he has built in the Queen City.

He is one of the classiest men in the NFL today after the scuffles the team was involved in Sunday against the Giants he apologized to coach Coughlin for his team’s behavior I don’t know many coaches that would do that right after a very competitive game. This team’s motto is Keep Pounding and our coach has embraced that on and off the field dealing with a house fire death in the family and despite all that; he has gotten this team prepared each and every day and put them in the best position to win every single game.

That is the leader I want for our football team not taking mediocre play and not afraid to call guys out for that. He’s an awesome coach and a great man I’m glad we gave him the opportunity to grow with this organization to see what it can become it’s been awesome to watch and I can’t wait for more!!

The 5 Most Under-appreciated Panthers in 2015

The Carolina Panthers now stand alone atop the NFL ranks at 13-0! This has been a magical season that just keeps getting better and better; it’s been a total team effort from top to bottom of this organization. Here are five people that are very under-appreciated, but are key cogs in helping this team chase both perfection and more importantly the Lombardi trophy.

 

Kurt Coleman

 

This first year Panther has been absolutely outstanding making big play after big play. He is one of the smartest football players we have in his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes pouncing on every opportunity he has been given the season. With shutdown corner Josh Norman on the other side opposing quarterbacks are wary of throwing his way and now they have to account for Coleman has been patrolling the middle of the field.

This season he has 57 combined tackles and five interceptions for the ball hawking secondary that we’ve become. He signed a two-year deal worth just 2.8 million an absolute steal with his production on the field in 2015! A guy didn’t know much about coming into the season is quickly becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL! This guy has helped make our secondary stingier and allows other guys to take chances and force quarterbacks into bad decisions.

Dave Gettleman

He is the mastermind behind the roster and how it is constructed he has brought consistency and a winning attitude since joining the Panthers in 2013. The team has won back-to-back division titles and collected their first playoff win since 2008 last season under Gettleman’s watch. In 2015 he has once again worked his magic adding veteran guys that were sort of cast-off with their former teams and now a thriving with the Panthers.

Those guys include Ted Ginn, Charles Tillman, Kurt Coleman, Jared Allen and another solid draft class that have all contributed to the team’s 11-0 start. He has done a masterful job of seeing the team’s weaknesses and addressing them with the best players possible for our system. He has also shown loyalty to his players and showing how important they are to this organization and its success signing them to long-term deals.

He is everything you want in a general manager putting the best 53 guys on the roster without mortgaging the future having the ability to compete for a Super Bowl year after year; he has done that and more since he has arrived in the Queen City there is just one thing missing and that is a ring. We are really lucky to have brought in such a  smart football man that understands what a winning team and organization looks like.

Ron Rivera

Ron Rivera is one of the most underrated coaches in the league with his ability to get the most out of his players while still allowing their personalities to come out and be themselves. He has brought a winning culture and attitude willing to take chances and will stand up for every decision he and his players make from the football field. Honestly, when we brought him on in 2011 I knew little about him, but I have so much respect for a guy that had gone through so much in his personal life over the past year and a half with his house fire and the passing of his brother and still getting his team best prepared to win games.

He expects the best out of us every snap of every game, but he is, he also understands these are humans and it’s always good to have a little bit of fun while doing your job. Just a great coach person and leader keeping this team focused on the ultimate goal every week!

 

The Offensive Line

A perceived weakness coming into this season has become a great strength a big reason why Cam Newton has had an MVP caliber season allowing many explosive plays to take shape. This unit ranks 10th in the league the most impressive stat for me is the fact that Cam Newton has only been sacked 24 times and hit just 67 times that number is probably a little low considering Newton is a dual threat, rushing as well, but it’s still impressive considering Newton has been sacked 500+ times since entering the league in 2011.

The line has also opened up huge holes for Jonathan Stewart and the rushing attack as we are second in the league in rushing, averaging 141.9 yards per game the cherry on top is we are first in the league averaging 31.9 points per game that’s what I call a complete team doing on both sides of the ball. These guys protecting Newton might not be well known and don’t get the recognition they should, but all they care about is winning games and protecting their field general!

Kawann Short

Another key cog to this defense is the breakout season that third-year pro Kawann Short is having in 2015. He has nine sacks 44 tackles and three forced fumbles just another headache for opposing offenses to deal with. Many people questioned this draft pick because we had already selected Star Lotulelei in the draft, but Short has proved he was the right choice at that moment and continues to develop into one of the most feared pass rushers this game has seen. He just adds an extra person for teams to plan for creating more opportunities for all of our other defensive stars. It’s great to see that our core team is so young and still developing and short is one of many guys that make our defense as well as it is!

All of this team is under underappreciated, but these are the guys that I believe people need to realize we would not be chasing perfection or more importantly the Lombardi trophy! I hope these guys agree Go Panthers!

 

 

 

Charlotte Hornets Newcomers paying big dividends early in 2015

The Charlotte Hornets are over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2013 season when they were 43-39. With the 25- point victory over the hopeless 76ers the Hornets are 8-6 to begin the 2015 season. It’s been the most entertaining basketball as seen in the Queen city since the buzz returned.

The Newcomers

The front office and GM Rich Cho were busy this off-season trying to improve their bench and three point shooting. They were able to pull off some savvy trades to do just what they set out to. We were able to acquire Nicolas Batum, who sort of became a cast-off in Portland with their stars.

Batum has taken to his expanded role with the Hornets averaging 17.1 points per game, 3.8 assists and six rebounds a stat sheet stuffer thus far in 2015. I know it’s only 15 games into the season, but I think Portland regrets letting him go; the Hornets are benefiting greatly from this move. The Frenchman has been a great addition to this team providing great leadership as well he has been everything and more the Hornets wanted when they made this move.

Another guy the team was able to acquire was Jeremy Lamb who had been determined the odd man out in Oklahoma City and boy I’m glad he was. Since becoming a hornet, he has given us a jolt of energy with his silky jumper and his ability to create at the offensive end of the floor.

He is averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds coming off the bench; proving the Hornets were right again in making this move. Lamb’s good play was rewarded with a three-year $21 million contract extension that it this point looks like a steal. The Hornets have done an amazing job finding great NBA talent that other teams have forgotten about.

 

The team has also added Jeremy Lin and Spencer Hawes two guys that have also given us a shot in the arm coming off the bench with their ability to shoot threes and rebound. Jeremy Lin a great ability to create offense and allow Kemba Walker to play off the ball creating more offensive weapons on the floor much more than previous years. He is also putting up solid numbers averaging 11.8 points per game 3 assists and 2.8 rebounds helping the Hornets to one of the best benches in the league.

The newcomers have created a myriad of options for coach Steve Clifford to choose from if one lineup or another isn’t working. With Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson having a great cast around  taking the pressure off of  those guys  games to shine through it’s been fun to see.

The best part about this team is it’s a team effort every night and there’s always someone new making an impact on the game. The front office went into this off-season with a plan and it’s paying off big time. This season has a chance to be very special in the Queen City just like another team in the Carolinas this season!

Cam Newton is the NFL MVP

As we head into week 10 of the NFL season there are two undefeated teams remaining the New England Patriots and my Carolina Panthers! Many people may think I am biased when I say Cam Newton is the NFL’s MVP this season easy!  Why? He has proved it and the MVP is the most valuable player and this year Newton is that guy. He has led this team to the game winning drives, controlling this offense putting the team in the best plays possible keep in mind this is without the number one wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. 

He has accounted for 21 total touchdowns 15 passing and six rushing a dual threat quarterback that will do anything necessary to win a game. He has his fingerprints all over the game; a stat that I found mind-boggling is 46% of the time that he runs the ball it either result in a first down or a touchdown doing it multiple ways creating massive headaches for opponents so much fun to watch.

The reality is his stats are never going to match Tom Brady’s but there is no comparison to the personnel around Tom Brady and Cam Newton he has been able to take unheralded wide receivers and help them develop into solid wide receivers that you can trust. I understand Julian Edelman just one out with a broken foot and they lost Dion Lewis to an ACL injury now they have just Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola, those guys are still major names that have had great success at the NFL level. The Panthers do have one of the best tight ends and Greg Olsen, but after that there’s Ted Ginn JR, Philly Brown, and Devin Funchess nowhere near what Brady has had the opportunity to work with. Cam Newton has brought out the best in these young guys that keep developing and getting better every week. Newton’s stats to be as flashy as Brady’s, but if you take Cam off the Panthers we wouldn’t be where we are right now chasing that Lombardi trophy.

Also Newton game has matured greatly this year not sulking and pouting when games weren’t going our way, just shaking it off and cheering on the rest of his teammates. His accuracy is improving as well Sunday against the Titans completed a career-best 11 straight passes showing he can do it all to help this team win! Oh, I almost forgot he has 29 games with at least one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown just two from Hall of Famer Steve Young’s record of 31 if that alone doesn’t put you in the MVP conversation I don’t know what will. People may not like the Cam Newton swagger well get over it because unless you stop him you’re going to get it every time! His game isn’t modeled by stats it’s modeled by W’s and that’s all he cares about what he’s done with this depleted roster is absolutely amazing! A lot of the time the MVP is determined by stats, but this year looking at the entire package Cam Newton is clearly the MVP of the league.

Carolina Panthers get signature win against Seahawks

The Carolina Panthers came into Sunday’s game with a huge chip on their shoulders; facing in their newest rival the Seattle Seahawks in front of the 12^th man. It’s no secret the Seahawks have been this teams kryptonite in heartbreaking fashion. Sunday this team was out to do two things end a streak and prove all the doubters and experts we are to be taken seriously. We did that in come back fashion one of the best games in I’ve ever watched, trailing by 13 at one point and nine in the fourth quarter and were able to win 27-23! This game personifies our saying this fan base and team KEEP POUNDING! Here are some of my takeaways from this signature victory.

The 4th Quarter

In football the money quarter is the 4th it’s when heroes are made or goats to blame. Sunday quarterback Cam Newton engineered two touchdowns in the final four minutes to seal this victory. Put it in perspective, Newton was 12 for 15 162 yards and the game-winning strike to tight end Greg Olsen with 32 seconds left. My favorite part about this whole thing is the fact that Newton is staying in the pocket looking downfield and trusting his wide receivers not just using his legs to burn defenses. It’s so much fun to see his maturity and football IQ continuing to rise every game he threw some absolute frozen ropes where only our receivers could catch them.

We made Seattle’s defense look like the Legion of whom the offense was able to methodically drive down the field four different times each 80 yards the first time in Seattle’s history they have given up to any opponent another feather in our cap. I have to admit it feels good to have beaten them the way we did; making them question every call they made in the fourth quarter, sending them into a tailspin.

He’s back

The defense got a huge lift when linebacker Luke Kuechly was back in the lineup after missing the last three games with a concussion. He didn’t miss a snap and was absolutely all over the place leading the defense with 14 tackles! He is one of those once-in-a-lifetime players that doesn’t even need much practice to become a nightmare for opponents and allow our defense to take more chances because he usually cleans up our mistakes.

He was also a key in stopping the run as that area started to become exposed, but with him back we were back to our old stifling selves. Kuechly has been just unbelievable and many times hard to describe a huge key to us getting over the hump in Seattle. Man it was great to have his fiery presence back and he wasn’t going to back down from anybody the attitude of this entire team and I love it!

Greg Olsen came up big again

I feel like a broken record, but every game he seems to come up big Sunday was no different he had seven receptions for 131 yards and the game-winning score. He is the new Mr. reliable for the Carolina Panthers and one of the best tight ends in the NFL right now. He is not afraid to do the dirty work either blocking for running backs and Cam Newton he is the full package! I’ve said this a few times thank you Chicago Bears that is one of the best trades we’ve pulled off in our history and we are taking full advantage of it.

This Team will never quit 

This team has heart and will never give up no matter who doubts us. Sunday showed that and it’s not a fluke this team continues to develop and absorb the obstacles and body blows we’ve taken the season turning them into positives! We are a force to be taken seriously, I’m really excited to see what we can do with this great momentum and passion that the fan base and this team is showing! Keep Pounding is not just a saying it’s a way of life on and off the field; Go Panthers keep doubting us if you are, but beware this team keeps maturing and getting better and better!

Jason Day Wins The Farmers Insurance In A Playoff

The Famers Insurance open started with all eyes on Tiger Woods as he looked to bounce back from his worst performance as a professional. He wasn’t able to do so as he re-injured his back due to what he termed defective glute muscles, this forced him to withdraw for the 3rd time in last 8 starts leaving his future in the balance. Phil Mickelson didn’t have much either, struggling on the greens, going in between putting grips, causing him to miss consecutive cuts for the 1st time since 2002. They are searching for answers. Winter rust?

Torrey Pines showed why it was a U.S. Open venue in 2008, with thick, lush rough that made many shots impossible making par feel like a birdie many times on Saturday and Sunday. Harris English made it look easy the 1st 2 rounds without a bogey looking totally in control and poised to get his 2nd career win. He headed into Sunday tied for the lead with JB Homes at 9 under par and many others breathing down their necks at 8 and 7 under. Setting up an exciting final round where anything could happen.

It was survival of the fittest type of final round that saw everybody drop shots, it was a grind it out type of day for everyone. At one point in the round there were 11 players within 2 shots of the lead. JB Holmes had an up and down front 9 that saw him make just one par, but was able to bounce back and make 2 birdies to grab the lead at 10-under 2 shots clear of second, it looked like double digits were going to win The Farmers Insurance Open.

Jason Day methodically made his way around the course with an even front 9. The turning point for him was 16 when he drained a 42-foot putt to tie him for the lead. Scott Stallings, the defending champion, threw himself in the picture when he holed a bunker shot on 13 for eagle that also tied him for the lead. Jason day and Scott Stallings were in the clubhouse at 9 under waiting to see if they would get to play in a playoff.

JB Holmes came to 18 with an advantage because of his his power off the tee and it being a par 5, it felt like a pretty good bet he would make a birdie with his tee shot right down the middle. He will be rethinking his choice to lay-up, making the 3rd shot longer than needed. His 3rd shot, hung up on the ridge leaving it 16 feet away from the hole, much longer than planned for the win. With 2 feet to go it looked like it was going to drop, but it stopped two inches to the right. Close, but no cigar. He was also at 9 under making him the 3rd in the playoff. Harris English came to 18 needing a birdie to tie as well. English birdied 18, making him the 4th man in the playoff. This is the only way this tournament should have gone because of how closely it was contested.

The 1st playoff hole was 18 Scott Stallings and Harris English hit it in the rough and that cost them as they made par. Jason Day and JB Holmes were able to take advantage of their power and make birdies. There were 4 now there are 2, JB Homes and Jason Day headed to the par 3 16th. JB Holmes stepped up first with a lot of adrenaline as he fired it over the green up against the TV Tower.

Jason Day stepped up and fired a laser right over the pin to 15 feet; impressive considering the average proximity to the hole was 38 feet the hole. JB Holmes had a difficult lie and it was tough to stop as it went 10 feet past for par. Jason Day was able to cozy his up and make par, JB just missed his par making Jason Day the 2015 Farmers Insurance Champion. With this win Jason Day becomes the 4th ranked player in the world, an already feared golfer, just got scarier look out for him in the majors!

James Hahn Grabs 1st Tour Victory in Playoff

The PGA Tour has provided great finishes in the early part of the season; the Northern Trust Open was no different. It was another survival of the fittest type of final round with lighting greens that made the players want to pull their hair out. It was fitting that a playoff was needed to determine a champion.

The playoff was between long- hitting Dustin Johnson, Englishmen Paul Casey, and unknown American, James Hahn. It came down to Dustin Johnson and James Hahn after magical short game shots with impossible lies and angles, they were able to convert the unlikely birdies. Paul Casey was unable to make a par eliminating him from the playoff.

Up next was the, par 3 14th that saw both Dustin Johnson and James Hahn throw darts at the flag setting up a putting contest to determine a champion. Dustin Johnson putted first and it burned the edge opening the door for James Hahn to claim his 1st victory, with virtually the same as regulation he took advantage and drained it for the win! This was another tournament that showed the parity on tour with many 1st time winners already this season.

Getting to Know Your Winner

James Hahn is a 33-year old journeyman, an All-American from Cal Berkley. He didn’t finish his college career because he felt overwhelmed with both golf and school obligations. He worked in advertising for a little while, after that he was a salesman at a Nordstrom Shoe store and, with just 300 dollars to his name he decided to give golf another run.

He wasn’t known for his play before this victory, he was known for his dance at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The 16th is the craziest hole on the PGA Tour with thousands of fans not afraid to tell you what they think of your shot. James Hahn provided some excitement after making a birdie he broke out the Gagnon Style Dance to pump up the crowd!

James Hahn will now be known forever as a PGA Tour winner! Powered by a clutch weekend performance saw him shoot back to back 69’s and prove he could play with the big boys. With this victory he jumped from 297th in world to 86th, he also earned a spot in the Masters and maybe most importantly the check that comes along with the victory. He is such a great story for the golfing world, hopefully he can continue his good play throughout the rest of season and career.