4 Quarters Radio: February 15

The first-period curriculum for February 15:
--Scott chatted with MTSU baseball coach Steve Peterson a couple of days before the season began. They touched on new pitchers and where the coach expected the team's power hitting to come from.
--Scott also asked the coach how much he believes in specialization among college baseball relief pitchers.
--MTSU alumni like Brett Carroll, Bryce Brentz and Will Skinner are scattered throughout the professional ranks, and Coach Pete discussed how those players have been keeping in touch with the program.

1st Intermission: "Okie From Muskogee" by Merle Haggard.

The second-quarter curriculum:
--Still all alone in the studio, Scott took time to compare the reactions to the drug problems of entertainers like Whitney Houston and those of athletes like Lawrence Taylor or Len Bias.
--In Whodaman, Scott paid respect to a Wizards fan who was ready to catch an ass-whipping from LeBron James. He also gave a shout to a listener who threw the official 4QR salute at a Middle Tennessee basketball game. Tweet your pics of you holding up four fingers to @4QuartersRadio and you'll always get a shout out.

Halftime Show: "Air" by Talking Heads.

The third-quarter curriculum:
--Scott discussed the onset of Linsanity, especially pondering the commentary from boxing champ Floyd Mayweather. El Prof was surprisingly sympathetic to Money May's point of view, which is not to say he agreed.
--Also, a brief history lesson on the first Asian-American player in pro basketball history (no, it wasn't Lin).

3rd Intermission: "Let's Roll" by Yelawolf feat. Kid Rock.

The fourth-quarter curriculum:
--Scott spoke with MTSU women's basketball coach Rick Insell as the season began to wind down. Topics included the surprising production from the Lady Raider backcourt, the shot selection of gunner Kortni Jones, and expectations that he harbors for his recruits.
--Coach Insell also waxed lyrical about his lone senior, Molly McFadden, on the eve of her honors at Senior Day.
--In the Epic Fails, Scott took the Chinese and Taiwanese governments to task for having nothing more important to do than fight over who claims Jeremy Lin's heritage. Also, he laid into Colts owner Jim Irsay for trying to play public relations chicken with Peyton Manning.

Postgame Show: "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair" by George Jones.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

4 Quarters Radio April 4

The first-quarter curriculum for April 4:
--The fellas talk about Kentucky winning the NCAA tournament, with Brandon still not terribly grateful even with a Wildcat victory winning him an evening of free food and drink. The fellas weigh their issues with John Calipari against the likability of his one-and-done crew. Scott also looks fearfully ahead to the days when Calipari can flash a ring in recruiting. Los Guys also stop and marvel at the evolutionary mutations that caused the Lexington riots.

1st Intermission: "Soul Killing" by The Ting Tings.


The second-quarter curriculum:
--In a 4Q first, most of a segment is devoted to talking professional wrestling. Brandon and special guest Clint Halford cover their impressions of WrestleMania 28. Brock Lesnar's return to Raw the following night gets some discussion as well.
--In Whodaman, Jeremy names a Wildcat who needs to return to school, Brandon big-ups baseball's most valuable agent, and Scott gives love to a guy whose face got totally pucked up (and no, that's not a typo).

Halftime Show: "Let Them Talk" by Spoek Mathambo.


The third-quarter curriculum:
--The fellas play around with ESPN's NBA Playoff Predictor, deciding whether some of the probabilities are way off or very right. Even Laker fan Jeremy can't disagree with some dire chances for LA.
--Scott weighs in on the new Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, some more deserving than others.
--The Knicks' honesty regarding injury reports and the Bulls' wisdom in not extending their coach catch brief mention.

3rd Intermission: "Overbiter" by Say Anything.


The fourth-quarter curriculum:
--MLB talk starts off the fourth, as Joey Votto and Matt Cain get enormous contracts. Scott poses the question of whether Votto's deal is a better idea than those given to Prince and Pujols.
--Hockey Correspondent Miranda Martin hops on a mic to talk some puck, naming off her expected Stanley Cup contenders.
--Mike Milbury's rant on Sidney Crosby gets aired, and Miranda's unsurprisingly in agreement. She does squirm out of an Odds Makers moment regarding the Predators' chances at the Cup finals...and ended up losing on a statement of doubt for the Capitals.
--In the Epic Fails, Jeremy has a couple of guys suffering embarrassing plays on the court, Brandon has a guy stealing a taco, and Scott finds another excuse to sing.

Postgame Show: "You're the Right Kind of Girl" by Lee Fields.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

4 Quarters Radio February 8

The first-quarter curriculum for February 8:
--Scott starts off all alone in his review of Super Bowl XLVI, discussing who really dug the 12-men-on-the-field approach and how Ahmad Bradshaw made the most of an alien circumstance. Once Logan shows up, they make sure to get their shots in on the absent Mack, whose Patriots came up limp. After some studio business complaints, they finally get back on task, noting just how close the Patriots have really come to being the Buffalo Bills.

1st Intermission: "Slight Work" by Wale ft. Big Sean.

The second-quarter curriculum:
--Scott and Logan continue with Super Bowl aftermath, talking about the Hall of Fame credentials of Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin. Coughlin, in particular, merits some scrutiny based on some underplayed similarities between him and another coach who's considered a Canton lock.
--Getting off the game, the fellas discuss all the other Super Bowl pageantry (halftime, commercials, etc.) and the idea of giving a car a pearl necklace figures prominently. (Don't ask, just listen.)
--Scott calls out ex-co-host Bobby for making weak declarations in regards to the career of Ricky Williams.
--In Whodaman, Scott has to give respect for a golfer who remembers his manners after a lecture from Mum.

Halftime Show: "Songs About Your Girlfriend" by Los Campesinos.

The third-quarter curriculum:
--Scott is joined by MTSU basketball coach Kermit Davis, and the coach isn't terribly pleased with Scott's line of questioning after two losses in three games. The Denver game and the forthcoming bout with Western Kentucky are primary topics.
--After the interview, Scott examines the bracketologists' projections, and the matchups aren't quite as promising as what they would have been the prior week.

3rd Intermission: "In the Middle of the Game (Don't Change the Play)" by Betty Wright and the Roots.

The fourth-quarter curriculum:
--Completely freestyling the fourth quarter, Scott starts off with a little morality discussion regarding M.I.A.'s middle finger heard round the world.
--The topic turns to Vegas's latest football bet, the future home of Peyton Manning. Scott's pet dark horse isn't getting serious money, but is being discussed in its local media.
--In the Epic Fails, Scott points and laughs at a "pro" basketball league whose "players" are so "talented," they allow their opponents to break two hundy in a regulation game.

Postgame Show: "Just Like Tiger Woods" by Steel Panther.

4 Quarters Radio February 1

The first-quarter curriculum for February 1:
--Joined for the first time in a while by Logan and Mack, Scott gets into predictions and expectations for Super Bowl XLVI. No decision is made on a humiliating wager, fortunately for Patriot backer Mack. Also, the 800-pound gorilla of Super Bowl week, the courtship of Peyton Manning, draws some discussion, including Scott's mention of one suitor that has received little discussion so far.

1st Intermission: "Girlie Girlie" by Sophia George.

The second-quarter curriculum:
--Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) writer Adam Sparks joins the show to talk some MTSU basketball. The Blue Raiders' at-large chances, shooting issues and being outboarded against Vanderbilt are among the topics of discussion.
--Once Adam's off the line, the guys get into examining MTSU's NCAA Tournament projections. Highlights include CBS predicting a nine seed, a potential matchup with everyone's mid-major darling, and Scott discussing his own mid-major darling.
--A look at MTSU football's recruiting class follows, including Scott bemoaning the forthcoming Attaq of the Shaqs.

Halftime Show: "The Toad Lickers" by Thomas Dolby.


The third-quarter curriculum:
--In a belated Whodaman, Scott salutes a college hooper for droppin' fiddy, Mack shouts out a marathon tennis match, and Logan gives love to Twitter follower #69.
--The fellas dig into ESPN's NFL Any Era team, discussing a group of players whose games would have translated to any period of pro football history.

3rd Intermission: "Baaadnews" by JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound.


The fourth-quarter curriculum:
--Scott and Mack finish up the NFL Any Era Team, and seldom is heard a discouraging word about the top 10.
--The MLB hot stove gets examined, with Mack weighing in on the Fielder and Pujols deals and Scott making a rare statement in praise of the Yankees.
--In the Epic Fails, Logan bemoans the state of Vol basketball, while Scott heaps scorn on a psycho Lions fan.

Postgame Show: "Transmission" by Aiden.

4 Quarters Radio: January 25

The first-quarter curriculum for January 25:
--Scott talks some hockey with 4QR's official Puck Authority, Jimi Russell. The Predators' hot streak and upcoming dilemma with the Ryan Suter and Shea Weber contracts are surely the lead discussion. Also covered: Brendan Shanahan's performance as NHL discipline czar, some trade deadline speculation, and whether Tim Thomas should have sucked it up and gone to the White House.

1st Intermission: "Let's Burn Down the Cornfield" by Etta James.

The second-quarter curriculum:
--Scott lays out his take on the life and times of Joe Paterno, reminding anyone listening that they need to take a life in totality rather than ignore everything else in favor of the final three months.
--In Whodaman, Scott gives love to an American in England and two NFL players rubbing a TV goof's face in his stupidity.

Halftime Show: "If You Want To" by Lalah Hathaway.

The third-quarter curriculum:
--The NFL conference championship games are the Q3 focus, and Scott starts off with yet another reminder of why mouth-breathing sociopaths make Twitter such an unpredictable place. Beyond that, the heroes and goats of Championship Sunday get their moment of discussion, including a few that you might not have noticed.
--In other stories, the Colts' new head coach and the future NFL prospects of college coaches with spread offenses are discussed before the break.

3rd Intermission: "Underground" by Jane's Addiction.

The fourth-quarter curriculum:
--Scott shares the projections for Prince Fielder's future production as a member of the Detroit Tigers and whether or not he'll end up being worth the $214M that Mike Illich is shelling out.
--The various NCAA bracket projections are examined, and Scott handicaps the matchups that could be awaiting MTSU's sizzling basketball team.
--Speaking of Blue Raider hoops, the weekend meeting with Vanderbilt also gets previewed.
--In the Epic Fails, Scott singles out yet another yobbo who can't figure out what should and shouldn't go on Twitter, lest one's career risk a trip down the crapper.

Postgame Show: "Limousine" by Class Actress.

Best of 4 Quarters Radio 2011

Another year of 4 Quarters is in the books, and it's time again for a best-of special. On the 2011 retrospective:

--Scott, Mack, Logan, Bobby, and Drew discuss exactly how much money they would require to stay silent in prison for five years, as Barry Bonds' trainer did. Unsurprisingly, many qualifications arise and the numbers keep increasing.
--Scott and Logan discuss the ESPN documentary on Steve Bartman, first between themselves and later with MTSU broadcast journalism professor Rob Jasso.
--In a look back at some of the show's best Whodaman moments, the fellas go all the way back to January and give it up to the 12th Man in Seattle for their appreciation of Beast Mode. Also, Logan obliquely calls Scott out for rolling on his preseason Super Bowl pick.
--MTSU's loss of murdered women's basketball player Tina Stewart was a subject of lengthy reflection. Most of the fellas didn't have a lot to say, but Scott certainly did.
--An interview with former MTSU cornerback/current Jacksonville Jaguar Rod Issac gives a whole new meaning to worshiping one's team.
--In the Epic Fails, Scott gets to call out ignorance and incompetence in some of his favorite targets: the New York Yankees, the Oakland Raiders, and the misuse of a term like "thrown under the bus."

Year 3 of the show is about to kick off, so check out wmts.org for showtimes and live streaming.

RSH's Titans Radio Portfolio

As part of an effort to compile my rapidly expanding portfolio of online writings, this post will contain links to all the pieces that I've written for Titans Radio during my fall internship. It will be updated each time a new piece is added to the site.

Munchak Begins Preparation For McCown
Morgan, Jones Expected to Play Sunday
Babineaux Prepared For First Titans Start
Washington Cautious With or Without Bailey
Munchak Using Broncos 2010 Comments
Munchak Hopes Avery Adds Deep Threat
Morgan Credits Rotation for Improved Defense
Munchak Pleased With Complete Win
Steelers Enter Week 5 Banged Up
Steelers Defensive Woes Draw Titans Focus
Munchak Monitoring Stevens, McRath Returns
Titans Fell Behind Early, Lost Game Plan
Munchak, Titans Welcome Bye Week Break
Munchak, Players Downplay Gameday Hype
McCourty: Houston Receivers Still Dangerous
Kubiak, Texans Focused on CJ
Texans Whip Titans 41-7 Behind Foster's Day
Collins' Season Over With Colts
Munchak Points Out Factors Leading to Losses
Ringer Workhorse Sunday in Titans Backfield
Titans Back to Winning Ways Over Colts
Williams, Wideouts Face Tough CIN Secondary
Munchak Says Bengals Worth the Hype
Bengals Top Titans With Big Second Half, 24-17
Munchak Shocked By Penn State Scandal
Banged-Up Titans Held Out of Practice
Newton Presents the Unpredictable for Titans
Titans Trounce Panthers 30-3
High-Powered Falcons Offense Next For Titans
Locker Throws 2 TD's in Comeback Loss
Titans Fall to 5-5 With 23-17 Loss in ATL
Munchak Stresses Run Game, Discipline Vs TB
Titans Overcome Turnovers, Beat Bucs 23-17
Titans Look For Back to Back Wins Again
Titans Offense Answers for Week 13 Win
Griffin Expects Basketball-Like Game From Graham
Locker's 4th Qtr Comeback Falls Just Short
Titans Nurse Wounds, Prep for Colts


A link to this post will also appear in the blog's sidebar. Thanks for reading.

4 Quarters Radio: October 28

The first-quarter curriculum for October 28:
--Athlon Sports' Steven Lassan rejoins Scott for a little college football talk, starting with how many teams will finish unbeaten at year's end.
--Scott continues to bemoan the system being rigged against Boise State, and Steven is somewhat sympathetic.
--South Carolina's chances going forward are assessed, starting with the Tennessee game.
--The possibility of Vanderbilt hanging with Arkansas is weighed.
--Scott wonders where Purdue's best chance of getting their sixth win lays, and Steven offers what could be a surprising answer.
--Stanford-USC looked like the irresistible force and the immovable object, and Steven breaks down that matchup.
--Steven offers some appreciation of one team's tremendous freshman class, and how likely a reliance on freshmen will lead to a late-season stumble.
--Scott and Steven handicap what a steel cage match between two battling coaches would look like, and which of their teams is a better fit for a new conference.
--A behemoth 32-team conference draws a little bit of discussion, and Steven shares how likely he sees such an arrangement coming to fruition.
--Steven offers a prime example of why there are too many bowl games.
--Finally, a moment of appreciation for Case Keenum.

Featured music: "Watch Me Dance" by Roots Manuva.


The second-quarter curriculum for October 28:
--Bobby shows up just in time for Scott to realize that they haven't talked any kind of UFC action in a while. But, unfortunately, there hasn't been any can't-miss action to discuss, and the trend continues through Penn-Diaz and beyond.
--Moving on to NFL action, Scott and Bobby get into examining the eight divisions to see which is the league's best and worst. They're in somewhat surprising agreement overall.
--In Whodaman, Bobby gives love to Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. Meanwhile, Scott spreads it around like he's the guy on Sister Wives. An MTSU alumnus, a surprising Cardinal hero, and a pair of Cougars (not the female variety, unfortunately) get shoutouts.

Featured music: "Mr. Nice Watch" by J. Cole and Jay-Z.


The third-quarter curriculum for October 28:
--Bobby's kind of down over the impending final episode of 4Q, but to take his mind off it, Scott kicks off a game of Medal Stand. The topic: the top three teams that could use Terrell Owens. The two have kind of different views toward which teams would bother with the hassle.
--Eli Manning's comments about manipulating the NFL Draft and advising Andrew Luck are discussed. As one might expect, El Prof is not keen on the idea.
--Scott and Bobby ponder who is the NFL's most underrated running back. Bobby goes small, Scott goes with a total breakout candidate.

Featured music: "For My Friends" by Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa.


The fourth-quarter curriculum for October 28:
--Scott's all alone again, and pretty much running on fumes. He makes a valiant effort to talk about the World Series, Game Six. Injuries and pitcher rest come into focus.
--Scott also powers through some historical perspective on the Game Six comeback.
--As his voice starts to give out, though, it's time to draw to an early close. Scott manages to get through the Epic Fails and present some compelling evidence that Canadians are a little too into their hockey.

Featured music: "Talking to You (Is Like Talking to Myself)" by Daryl Hall.

Click here for a look at the (in progress) 4QR music archives. Please help the show out by buying a track or two.

4 Quarters Radio: October 21, 2011

The first-quarter curriculum for October 21:
--Scott and Bobby kick off a show with the fiasco that was the NFL trade deadline, and the show's resident Raider fan gets to weigh in on the Carson Palmer trade. Also, Scott's highly reluctant to give Mike Brown any praise for playing his poker hand well.
--The trade deadline's failures are discussed for a moment, with the Lions' misfortune as a keen example. The first order of business is to suggest a better date. Also, other deals that could have been made but weren't get dragged out into the light.
--The weather is starting to turn in Tennessee, and it's a prime time to discuss the NFL's cities and which ones have the best and worst weather.

Featured music: "Come On Over" by Veronica Falls.


The second-quarter curriculum for October 21:
--Mack Burke returns after a five-month sabbatical, and he gets an opportunity to vent on the trade deadline himself. The gist: "Won't someone think of Jason Campbell?"
--The fellas ponder whether the Schwartz/Harbaugh dustup should go into the Octagon, and whether coaches need to be duty-bound to shake hands after a game.
--Bryant Gumbel's comments about David Stern get played, and the fellas have a momentary chat on what Gumbel really meant. Perhaps surprisingly, there's not a lot of disagreement on the subject of Stern.
--In Whodaman, Bobby touts a running back who stomped the indomitable Suh. Mack's Whodaman and Epic Fail are oddly one and the same. Scott gives respect to a guy who seriously reps his team in a pimped hearse.

Featured music: "Miracle Worker" by SuperHeavy.



The third-quarter curriculum for October 21:
--4Q's first-ever in-studio guest, MTSU men's basketball coach Kermit Davis, stops in to talk about the early days of practice and the upcoming season.
--The coach starts off weighing in on what the college game would look like with players like Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams staying around instead of sitting out in the locked-out NBA. Scott and Coach Davis also discuss their eligibility rules of choice.
--MTSU forward Torin Walker's eligibility status gets discussed, as well as a brief explanation of why he's having problems in the first place.
--Forward LaRon Dendy's potential for postseason honors comes in for serious discussion.
--Several candidates exist for the point guard position, and Scott asks (ahem) point blank who's in the lead.
--The packed early-season schedule draws a look, and Coach Davis lays out the credentials of his team's opponents. The players will be disappointed to learn that there's no time for fun when the Blue Raiders head to Los Angeles.
--Coach Davis identifies the team to beat in the Sun Belt for the 11-12 season. Also, a player who could dominate the Sun Belt gets discussed.
--Scott and Coach Davis talk a little music on the way out.

Featured music: "Standing On Higher Ground" by Leslie West featuring Billy Gibbons.


The fourth-quarter curriculum for October 21:
--Scott and Mack are able to discuss a little baseball, and there is a chat about what can be done to improve the World Series.
--Baseball's calendar, which is about to become more crowded, catches some grief.
--Nolan Ryan begins his approach toward Scott's pantheon of all-time favorite sports owners.
--Scott lights the fuse and lets Mack rant for a minute on the Theo Epstein situation.
--Between Theo and Rex, Mack's Epic Fail is well-covered. Scott's resides in Europe, with a team that didn't check with the neighbors before finding a sponsor.

Featured music: "She Really Got to You" by Ivy.

4 Quarters Radio: September 30 4th Quarter

The fourth-quarter curriculum for September 30:
--Logan hijacks the Concert Calendar with an impromptu rendition of "In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida." After Scott turns his mic back on, Logan gets his chance to weigh in on the Titans and how they've performed early on.
--The discussion turns to exactly how many teams Logan can claim to "like." Current estimate may be in low double digits.
--Logan gets to rant on a recruit who may have gotten Tennessee into more NCAA trouble, especially since it's his second school to have such issues.
--In the Epic Fails, Logan complains about a running back when he needs to go after the offensive coordinator. Scott calls out a mom who ruined her sons' football careers and another set of parents who didn't seem to care if they ever saw their kid again.

Featured music: "Turn Me On" by David Guetta and Nicki Minaj.

4 Quarters Radio: September 30 3rd Quarter

The third-quarter curriculum for September 30:
--Logan finally arrives, and they discuss the ESPN documentary "Chasing Hell" about Steve Bartman dooming the Chicago Cubs. This, of course, comes after giving Bobby a crash course in how to put call-in guests on hold.
--Multiple attempts are made, but finally, the fellas get MTSU news professor Rob Jasso on the line to talk about how the media handled its coverage of Bartman. Questions of liability, moral judgment and personal safety in pursuit of a story are among the topics.

Featured music: "In My Arms" by Glen Campbell.

4 Quarters Radio: September 30 2nd Quarter

The second-quarter curriculum for September 30:
--Bobby shows up in time to weigh in on developments in fantasy football, including his team having another disappointing week. The two start off with a possible nominee for early Fantasy MVP.
--Traditionally dominant fantasy defenses get examined to see exactly why they're getting lit up.
--The Titans' early-season start gets a little scrutiny and some wonderment over why exactly everyone's surprised. Back on the fantasy tip, Scott and Bobby weigh whether it's time to give up on Chris Johnson.
--In Whodaman, Bobby coins a word that we don't hear nearly often enough. Scott honors guys who did something that doesn't happen nearly EVER.

Featured music: "Sweat" by Hard-Fi.

4 Quarters Radio: September 30 1st Quarter

The first-quarter curriculum for September 30:
--Scott's all alone in the studio, but he's still locked and loaded. Being a solutions-oriented sort, he offers the perfect center for Mike Vick and his banged-up hand. He then moves on to note that everyone involved with the story is protesting a bit too much.
--Scott is able to cite some statistics that can defuse anyone who's inclined to call Vick's problems racial in nature. Several other teams have their QB's getting hit more often than Philly.
--Logan Propst, who should be in the studio, instead turns up on the phone and offers his thoughts on Vick as well.
--Los Guys turn to Minnesota and ponder the real culprit for the Vikings' epic second-half failures. This, naturally, leads into a discussion of Madden etiquette.
--Scott starts an impromptu game of Medal Stand, ranking his top three teams most likely to Suck for Luck. Logan's not in the mood to play, but Scott's more than able to rise to the occasion.

Featured music: "From a Table Away" by Sunny Sweeney.

Randy Moss Retires: Does Canton Clock Start Now?

The agent for former Vikings and Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss announced that Moss was retiring Monday, potentially calling an end to one of the most famous, and infamous, careers of any receiver in NFL history.

The news comes as a surprise, just weeks after the same agent, Joel Segal, claimed that Moss was in "freakish shape" as a result of "two-a-days, all spring and summer in West Virginia."

Players pondering retirement rarely put themselves through grueling two-a-day practices at home, which leads to speculation about Moss's "retirement" being a ploy to avoid a team's training camp.

The possibility remains that a team could offer Moss a contract if they suffer a rash of injuries, but for now, no offers appear forthcoming. Moss "retiring," therefore, is his way of telling the 32 NFL clubs, "You can't fire me, I quit."

If Moss does fade into the shadows in the same way Marvin Harrison did after his release from the Indianapolis Colts in early 2009, the Canton Clock starts now, counting down the five-year waiting period for his enshrinement.

Moss could become eligible for the Hall at the same time as another veteran wide receiver with eye-popping stats and equally impressive off-field baggage, Terrell Owens.

Like Moss, Owens has spent his last few seasons bouncing from team to team in search of the next big highlight. Their career numbers are similar, down to both catching exactly 153 career touchdowns to date.

So, if you had to make one wait to get into Canton, which would it be? The man who bagged 17 touchdowns as a rookie, or the one who took the torch from his 49ers predecessor, Jerry Rice? The player who immortalized the phrase "straight cash, homie" or the one who gave us the tearful "that's my quarterback"? The guy who tried to run over a meter maid or the one who liked to call press conferences in his driveway?

First, the numbers. T.O.'s advantages over Moss are 124 catches and 1074 yards in 17 extra games. Sizeable, but a motivated Moss could easily put the yards up. Catches are less likely. As said before, touchdowns are dead even. ADVANTAGE: Push.

Playoff performance: Moss erupted in his first several playoff games, recording nine scores in seven games. Only Gary Anderson's inexplicable case of the yips kept Moss from appearing in the Super Bowl as a rookie. From there, indifference took over. His best game from 2005 on was 5 catches, 62 yards and a score in Super Bowl XLII, when Eli and the Miracles snatched a ring from his grasp.
T.O.'s production was much more pedestrian, save lighting up the Giants in 2002 and his 122 yards for the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, when he made a stirring return from a broken leg. ADVANTAGE: Moss

Team performance: Neither man won a Super Bowl, and each only appeared in one. Interestingly, though, the Patriots' loss to the Ravens after the 2009 season was the first time that Moss had been on a team that lost its first playoff game. Moss was on six playoff teams, Owens on eight.
Still, the Dallas teams that T.O. was on had to rank with some of the most disappointing groups in NFL history. Those Cowboy teams had great talent, but small results. ADVANTAGE: Moss

Public opinion: Moss is a physical freak who played at 80-percent effort. T.O. is an unrepentant attention hound who personifies the "diva receiver" stereotype. Moss's off-field baggage occasionally skirted the edges of legality, with the meter maid incident and frank admissions of marijuana use. T.O.'s issues were minor in comparison, save a hotly denied suicide attempt. ADVANTAGE: Owens

Both men provide classic case studies of why some football fans clamor for the return of the Wing-T formation, back before wide receivers were paid handsomely to do wind sprints for most of the game. They're polarizing figures, making fans choose between shaking their heads at amazing feats on the field and doing the same at boneheaded actions off of it.

Still, if forced to choose between one, this writer backs T.O. because of one old saying.
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." We can say what we want about Terrell Owens, but it was hard to outwork him on the field.

Shaq Joins Turner Sports: Call Him "The Big Analytical"

Anyone who has been clamoring to hear Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal trade jabs and comments about the NBA will soon have their wildest dreams granted.

Fresh off a retirement that concluded an unquestioned Hall of Fame career, Shaq has signed an agreement to join the Turner Sports team, including the studio show Inside the NBA. Shaq will fill the fourth chair alongside Barkley, Kenny Smith, and host Ernie Johnson, as well as provide content for NBA.com and occasionally show up on NBA TV.

Placing O'Neal, who's known for occasional verbal outbursts as an interview subject, alongside Barkley, who's never stopped his outbursts as an analyst, could lead to fantastic TV, some of the most entertaining sports coverage ever taped. It could also lead to a flaming trainwreck playing out in the nation's living rooms.

First off, let's remember that Chuck and Shaq once faced off in a memorable fight. All is forgiven now, but wait until someone gets the bright idea to have a re-enactment. A ball comes flying in from offcamera, clocks Shaq in the head, and it's on.

Eh, for that matter, that might be pretty entertaining, and the two of them would almost certainly play it for laughs now.

Okay, what about criticizing former colleagues? Well, Shaq has had his fun with comments about the likes of Greg Ostertag, or at least a Karl Malone dummy in Shaq's hands did ("Glad I'm playin' with a center, that Greg Ostertag was a bum."). And there was also his contentious relationship with the Sacramento "Queens."

So many rookie analysts, however, have difficulties criticizing former teammates. Well, maybe Shaq's already got that problem licked. (Okay, unfortunate choice of words. Right, Kobe?)

You know what? Never mind. It's time to get that new NBA labor deal done, so we can be assured of seeing Shaq and Chuck suited up for Opening Night as soon as possible.

David Stern, free The Big Analytical now.

 

NBA Players Association Supports Taking Talents to Europe

According to the New York Times, NBA Players Association executive director Billy Hunter has sent a letter to 450 players, fully blessing any athlete who explores the option of playing abroad during the league's lockout.

In the letter, Hunter said that the lockout's purpose was to "economically pressure our players to agree to an unfavorable collective bargaining agreement." He also added, "If the owners will not give our players a forum in which to play basketball here in the United States, they risk losing the greatest players in the world to the international basketball federations that are more than willing to employ them."

In the wake of New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams' agreement to play for the Turkish club Besiktas this fall, nearly every other star player in the league has had to face questions about his own plans for a protracted lockout. Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire tweeted that he had decided against Europe as a viable option, but backpedaled from that stance on ESPN Radio this week.

Stoudemire's reversal seems telling, especially in the wake of Hunter's letter, the published excerpts of which read like labor-leader posturing from word one. The letter's stance seems likely to inform responses from every player who gets lockout questions from now until Dealday.

Williams claims to have talked to many players highly interested in playing for European clubs. Stars like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant aren't ruling anything out. Their waffling rings hollow, though.

According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Williams' Besiktas contract will pay him $200,000 per month. His Nets contract is set to pay him $199,509 per game for the 2011-12 season. Players like Williams and the others mentioned above don't need the money one bit. At least they shouldn't, but you never know. Antoine Walker never seemed to need the extra cash, either.

Players like Sonny Weems are a different story. The Toronto Raptors' forward, slated to make $850,000 this year, signed with a club in Lithuania. Philadelphia forward Darius Songaila is headed to Turkey for $1.5 million, not much less than Williams.

The risk of contract-voiding injury is likely too great for guys like Wade or Durant to entertain traveling to a different country to play for what amounts to pocket change. Especially when there's a likelihood that they may not even see said pocket change.

Phoenix Suns swingman Josh Childress told ESPN's Ric Bucher (Insider piece) that "If a guy isn't playing well or a team is out of the playoffs, they'll just stop paying you. I know tons and tons of players who just walked away because they didn't want to go through the hassle of going to court to get their money."

Childress, who spent two years playing for the Greek club Olympiacos, doesn't understand why any player with a large guaranteed contract would go to Europe and put it all in jeopardy. Players like Weems, Songaila, and Thunder center Nenad Krstic, who's bound for Russia, don't fall into that category. They're also not the kinds of names that will move the needle stateside, for fans or the league.

Kobe and Wade understand the politics of the labor negotiations well enough to know that ruling out options takes pressure off the owners to move on their proposals. Amar'e needed a little reminder after getting carried away on Twitter.

If David Stern thought for a moment that all of his owners' high-priced superstars were ready to throw it all away to play for clubs whose names are only familiar to dedicated soccer fans, there might be a bit more urgency in negotiations. Guys like Sonny Weems and Darius Songaila, however, may just be written off as collateral damage.

Unfortunately for Billy Hunter, it's guys like Weems and Songaila who are the only ones who really have any motivation to make this move.

 

K-Rod Trade: Brewers' Ticket to Glory or Misery?

In Major League Baseball's post-All-Star-break horse race toward the playoffs, the Milwaukee Brewers became the first to make a big move on the outside, acquiring veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez from the New York Mets for a pair of players to be named later.

In a move that would seem excessive for a team that already has an established closer, the Brewers bring in "K-Rod"'s 291 career saves and tout him as a backup plan for John Axford. Brewers GM Doug Melvin said, "In a pennant race, there's a chance you could go out and have six straight one-run ballgames. There's no way that any one guy can close six games in a row."

As a factor in the deal, Rodriguez's contract has been downplayed by his former employers in New York. K-Rod would receive a vesting option paying him $17.5 million next season by finishing 55 games over the course of the season. To this point in the season, he has finished 34.

Escaping that option is undoubtedly a benefit for the Mets as they face uncertain decisions over the futures of the rest of their nucleus. David Wright, Jose Reyes, and K-Rod faced rumors from the start of the season. Now, the Brewers have the clock running to influence their usage of Rodriguez.

That usage may turn out to be the most difficult juggling act not involving chainsaws or torches. K-Rod's new agent, Scott Boras, told New York's Newsday earlier this week, "Francisco Rodriguez is a historic closer. He’s not going anywhere to be a setup man.” Boras added, “Closers don’t make good setup men. Does anyone want an unhappy setup man in their clubhouse?"

Rodriguez has shown in the past that he can quickly make a situation ugly when he's unhappy. Last August, the Mets were pondering proceedings to void his contract when he assaulted his girlfriend's father in a Citi Field lounge.

The Brewers have to gauge their use of Rodriguez carefully, as his potentially historic 2012 salary would be an enormous drag on any attempt to keep Prince Fielder in next season's lineup.

No matter how the Brewers use him, K-Rod will need to weigh his words and actions just as carefully, especially if he runs out of games to close and faces the free agent market. The rehabilitation of his image would be aided immensely if he helps Milwaukee to the playoffs with only a handful of saves, being a good company man all the way.

Axford is 23-of-24 in save opportunities with a 1.99 ERA since blowing one on Opening Day, so anything that would upset his rhythm could easily backfire, even if the motive is based around getting him some extra rest.

The addition of K-Rod is certain to increase everyone's stress level, from Melvin to manager Ron Roenicke to all the players to the fan base. The one certain benefit is that the fans may have to make several more runs to the beer stands to take the edge off.

Yao Ming Retires, And A Generation Now Understands Bill Walton

Skilled, potentially dominant big men are very difficult to find in basketball these days. Dwight Howard’s had years to develop something resembling an offensive repertoire, learning from one of the last talented inside scorers, Patrick Ewing. Shaquille O’Neal’s sheer physicality made up for any lack of moves, as defending him was much like posting up a CSX freight train.

It’s for this reason that the NBA is highly likely to miss Yao Ming. Listed at 7’6” and admitting to 7’3”, the NBA’s first Chinese star is still considered a better ambassador than player. This despite a career that saw averages of 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game. Should the numbers have been greater? Perhaps.

 

Still, why is the bar set that much higher for Yao than it is for, say, Bill Walton? Is it simply based on the extra four inches of height? Walton did produce more as a rebounder and shot-blocker despite being “only” 6’11, but otherwise, the two men possessed several similarities.

Both were very gifted passers for pivots and possessed better scoring range than most of the brutes that they guarded night in and night out. When it came to scoring, Yao was as skilled as any center since his Houston predecessor Hakeem Olajuwon.

His career free throw percentage is second only to Dirk Nowitzki among seven-footers. Yao’s 2006-07 season put him in fast company when he averaged 25 points per game. Only seven other seven-footers have recorded a 25-ppg season, and you may recognize some of the names: Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlain, Ewing, Nowitzki, O’Neal, Olajuwon, Robinson. All of them are or one day will be Hall-of-Famers.

Yao’s decision to truncate his career rather than hang on as a spare part, as Walton did in backing up Robert Parish in Boston, is likely to be held against him, because he never got to wear a ring. Walton is still in the Hall of Fame despite the foot problems that ravaged his stat sheet even worse than Yao’s.

Walton is likely in the Hall even more for his dominance in college than for his all-too-brief moments of NBA glory. Yao proved capable of performing on the game’s biggest stage, and his impact in putting the NBA product in front of the world’s biggest consumer market should more than trump anything Walton did at UCLA. Perhaps Yao’s not bound for Springfield on the first ballot, but it’s absolutely possible, and advisable, that he get there.

 

Mackey's Passing Illustrates NFL Lockout's True Point

Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey passed away Wednesday at the age of 69. His blend of size, speed, and strength made his position a weapon in the NFL’s increasingly sophisticated passing game, expanding the tight end’s role from that of a glorified sixth lineman.

In addition to his contributions on the field, Mackey served four years as NFL Players Association president from 1969 to 1973. A brief 1970 strike led to $11 million in improvements to player pensions and benefits, according to the Baltimore Sun.

He also led litigation that forced the elimination of the “Rozelle Rule,” which limited free-agent signings by mandating that a team losing a free agent must receive equal compensation. The courtroom victory helped pave the way for the free-agent system from which today’s players benefit.

The rigors of Mackey’s career, however, left him with dementia, an increasingly common side effect from the constant hits absorbed by NFL players. The NFL and NFLPA collaborated on the so-called “88 Plan,” which provides $88,000 per year for nursing home care to ex-players suffering from dementia, and $50,000 for home care.

The NFL lockout sometimes gets oversimplified to two groups of rich guys arguing over who gets how much of the league’s nine-billion-dollar revenue pie. What’s often lost is the issue of care for the players who put the NFL in position to rake in those amounts of money. Retired players have filed a grievance demanding a larger voice in the lockout negotiations, attempting to make sure that they’re not left out in the cold as owners and today’s players battle over the spoils of the game.

The negotiations appear to be warming up as the planned start dates of NFL training camps approach. It would be sad if the deal was sidetracked by both sides being reminded that they have not adequately provided for the NFL’s retirees. If it is, though, so be it, because making sure that players from John Mackey’s era can live their final days in dignity vastly outweighs the need for today’s stars to buy another house.