Author: Rich Sports Talk

New York Jets: Trading for Andre Johnson?

/ Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

With Andre Johnson refusing to report in Houston for OTAs, this could give the New

Johnson would be a welcomed addition to the Jets

Johnson would be a welcomed addition to the Jets

York Jets a golden opportunity. There have been rumors out of Jets camp that the team is talking to the Texans and trying to bring in Johnson. The problem? It looks like the Texans want Michael Vick in the deal. Vick for Johnson straight up? Sounds like the Jets should pull the trigger.

Sure Andre Johnson may seem selfish by not attending the Texans OTAs, but wouldn’t you if you’ve only made the playoffs twice in your eleven year career? Johnson should be upset. The Texans did not draft a quarterback in the draft, traded their starting one to Oakland, and are telling Johnson that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to be the starter. Yeah, I can see why Johnson wants out. Who wants to play for an organization that put no effort into improving the quarterback position and doesn’t seem to be putting out a good effort.

Johnson would be a perfect pairing with Eric Decker in New York. Even at 32, Johnson still has blistering speed and is a legitimate number 1 receiver. Add in Decker, Kerley in the slot, and Amaro at tight end and the Jets could have one of the best receiving corps in football. Meanwhile, the Texans would get a dynamic quarterback who could be the final piece to a playoff roster. With the great defense in Houston coupled with the weak AFC South, putting Vick on the Texans would make them a playoff team.
While it may hurt the Jets to trade Vick, the upside of the trade is too great. Geno has looked great in OTAs and the Jets have strongly hinted he will be the starter. With Vicks ever-changing moods and comments in the New York media, it could be the best decision to cut this possible distraction down the road.

The Jets would not have a legitimate backup, but they could possible pick up a veteran if one is cut in training camp. Not to mention Johnson’s presence would help Geno develop. Johnson has some of the best hands in the league while also have the ability to stretch the field, something Gang Green has desperately been lacking for the last two years.

This trade would be a win win for both organizations. The Texans move a disgruntled receiver and get a quarterback that could get them back to the playoffs. The Jets jettison a quarterback who already is clamoring for playing time while getting a big time receiver to help Geno Smith mature as a quarterback. Who knows? Maybe this move will help both teams to reach the playoffs. This is one deal that should be made.

A Diplomatic Solution for Redskins Controversy??

/ Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Washington Redskins find themselves in the crosshairs of controversy. There is no question that the term redskins is a derogatory term for Native Americans. This is an argument where you can see both sides of the case. For the Native Americans it is clear the “Redskins” name and logo is extremely offensive. Unlike other american franchises who use their mascots and names to show the nobel spirit of the native americans. Those who didn’t display native americans in a positive way, like the Cleveland Indians, have had either their offensive mascots removed or team names changed. Redskins was a phrase created to belittle and downgrade the Native American people as sub-human.

However, it’s not that easily cut and dry. Dan Schneider, the owner of the Redskins, has been on the record saying that he refuses to change the logo and name. I can understand why. It’s his team, he paid for it and should be able to decide what he wants to do with his team. Not to mention, the Redskins have had the same name since 1932. It has been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL and are one of the most recognizable teams on the planet. The name is offensive, but it has been the name for so long it would be hard for a franchise to change its identity after it has become one of the most successful franchises in the NFL.

Come on Washington! Isn’t this supposed to be the place for compromising between two different parties? Maybe not, but anyways there could be a possible solution to the problem in where both sides get something in return.

The Redskins want to keep their logo and name. I propose the following. Keep the name. Yes, I know it is offensive to Native Americans and will be subject to scrutiny until the name is completely removed.

The compromise would be that while the Redskins can keep their name they must remove their current logo depicting the Redskin. That way, their team memorabilia and uniforms will no longer be depicting Native Americans in a negative way. The good news is the Redskins may have the solution to this problem already. They have two great classic uniforms that look great and have logos not depicting a redskin.

These great throwbacks the solution?

These great throwbacks the solution?

The first would be the early 1970s uniforms depicted here. Not only do the red and yellow pop and look good with the classic stripes, but the logo is fantastic. The simple red R with the feathers on the side would be a great replacement for the current uniforms.

 

Back to the 60s

Back to the 60s

Option 2 would be the late 1960s jerseys. While they are darker with their red and gold color scheme, the uniforms are also a great looking set that could easily replace the current uniform. This logo features a Native American spear on the sides of the helmet and once again replaces the current offensive mascot.

Even this change will never fully stop the controversy until the name is completely changed. With the Redskins trademark now gone, the team could loss millions on merchandise and force the NFL to step in. If there’s one thing the NFL hates right now it is losing money. This step would be a step in the right direction. While Native Americans will never fully be satisfied that a team is called the Redskins, it could make it easier for them to accept the franchise if the logo depicting a redskin is removed. That way Schneider keeps his team name, and Native Americans will not have an offensive depiction on Redskins merchandise and helmets.

One thing is for certain,we will stay with this story and bring you the very latest here at Rich Sports Talk!

What’s next for King Henrik?

/ Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment
What next for the king?

Whats next for the king?

He laid there sprawled out across the ice at the Staples Center. A sea of black jerseys clustered around the fallen warrior as he collapsed from exhaustion. After stopping a barrage of pucks all night Henrik Lundqvist came mere inches from keeping the New York Rangers Stanley Cup hopes alive. The New York Rangers Rangers may have missed out on the opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup, but one big question remains. What does the loss for Lundqvist’s legacy?

Sometimes it’s not great to be king. Days after the loss, it has been reported that the defeat is still eating at the Rangers net minder. Despite setting franchise records for shutouts and wins in 2014, the image of Lundqvist accepting his accolades won’t be the image Rangers fans think of. Instead, it will be the final goal in the Stanley Cup Final that cost the Rangers their first championship in twenty years.

What does this mean for Lundqvist? A championship would help to cement his legacy as an all-time great. However, there is no question that King Henrik is still one of the top three goaltenders in the NHL. Lundqvist played very well in the Stanley Cup Final and was the victim of poor defensive play and a Rangers offense that struggled the entire series to generate offensive chances let alone goals. If it wasn’t for Lundqvist’s performance in goal, the Rangers would have been nowhere close to a Stanley Cup appearance. When the Rangers faced elimination Lundqvist played his best this postseason. Lundqvist has proven that he has been one of the best in the game.

Despite his 43-48 postseason record, Lundqvist’s incredible performances in elimination games proves that he is a clutch goaltender. This postseason it has become clear that he can lead this team to the promise land by putting the team on his back. Now it’s the Rangers turn. They need to get Lundqvist some offensive playmakers to take some of the pressure off of him.

What’s next for Lundqvist? Can he be an all-time great without a ring? Yes, but it will be much more difficult and there will be much debate about how he couldn’t win a championship when net minders like Quick and Brodeur won multiple championships. A championship would be the icing on the cake and would put him in the conversation for one of the top goaltenders of all-time. The quest for the ring continues for the king.

The Legacy of Tim Duncan

/ Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

In a sport filled with machismo and flash, it’s easy to see how Tim Duncan

Silent but Deadly

Silent but Deadly

fades into the background among the high profiled NBA stars. With so much attention focused on players such as Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James, it’s hard to believe that Duncan’s aren’t more celebrated. Everyone talks about James’ quest to win multiple championships and how Kobe Bryan has won his five titles in Los Angeles. With all of the debate about which NBA star needs to cement his legacy but winning an elusive championship ring what the experts and sports fans should be debating is how great Tim Duncan’s legacy is compared to the all-time greats.

When you ask NBA fans to describe the 6’11 power forward and center the reaction is usually a long paused as a sound of “uuummm” protrudes from their lips as they struggle to find the words. Now if you ask most NBA fans if they would consider him an all-time great they would probably say that is blasphemy. Sure Duncan’s a good player, but one of the greatest of all-time? No way?

Consider this. After the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in 5 games to win the NBA title, Duncan has won five championships. Yes, the same amount as Kobe Bryant and three more than King James. Oh, by the way, two of those title wins were over Lebron James. With a list of accolades such as MVPs, All Star appearances, and countless NBA awards that is longer than a list of all the age jokes about the Spurs, there is no question that Duncan is a surefire Hall of Famer.

Sure, Duncan might not be the flashiest players in the NBA, but he gets the job done. He’s like a Buick while other NBA stars are italian sports cars. Sure he might not be the fastest or prettiest car, but he won’t break down on you and will be there when you really need him.

Even at the age of 38, Duncan may have the opportunity to win another title. Sure he’s not the player he used to be, but being the selfless player that he is and accepting less minutes, the Spurs are still an elite team. A team without stars, but players who all accept their role and do what is best for the team. Add in Gregg Popovich, a hall of gamer in his own right, and the Spurs could win another title or two over the next two seasons. With their well-rounded roster and playoff experience, this team will be dangerous in 2015.

With all the debate about whether James will catch up to Jordan’s six NBA titles, people should be focused if Duncan can surpass his Royal Airness. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the quietest and one of the least flashy NBA players in history won more titles than the electrifying Jordan? Instead of his Airness it might be time to recognize his royal Duncness.

Miami Heat Fans Leave Again: Spoiled Brats

/ Rich Sports Talk / 2 Comments

19e15cc33f4008dc5deac50c79462eea_crop_northAnd the award for the worst fan base in professional sports goes to…….. the Miami Heat! Once again the so called Miami Heat fan base showed why they are the most vile and unappreciative bunch of bandwagoners in sports. While other cities pray for a championship run for once in a lifetime, Miami fans have been treated to four consecutive years of their team making it to the championship. Most NBA cities would be grateful to be in the playoffs or even have a team. Could we please relocate this team to a city like Seattle? A city that deserves a great basketball team.

Seriously, Miami Heat fans are the slime of the NBA. After the Heat fell behind in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Heat fans did what they do best. No, not get in a boisterous rant about how how the Heat are a dynasty or immediately rebuttal that they are not bandwagon fans. The Miami Heat fans once again walked out on their team during the NBA Finals.

As we already know, last year these same “fans” walked out of the same building in Game 6 when the Heat fell behind. Then of course, Ray Allen hits the shot, the Heat are back in it, and then the spoiled Heat fans had the audacity to demand to be let back into the game. However, this time they went the extra mile of booing their team. Yes boo the players that have brought you to four straight NBA Title Games, classy Miami. Way to appreciate the team that’s brought you two world championships in a row and is still alive, barely, in this series.

Listen, I hope that San Antonio wins. Not because I don’t want Lebron James to win another title but because I want a city who actually appreciates their team and would appreciate the title. Lets face it. We hate fans who only root for a team when they are winning or don’t appreciate the good fortune they have. Heck, I’m 23 and none of my teams have won a championship in my lifetime and Miami’s putrid fan base is complaining after winning two in a row?

It’s unfortunate that such a talented team is wasted on a bunch of individuals who don’t appreciate their efforts. Seriously, I think MTV should be making a reality show about Heat fans. They already have the rotten drama queens of My Sweet Sixteen, they should have a show called My Heat Seats. The life, struggles, and knowing the perfect time to leave the arena for Miami fans.True there are many great Heat fans who are there for every game and are very supportive. However, the vast majority of this fan base have now walked out on their team not once but twice.

Go ahead Miami. Leave for your clubs and overpriced tanning booths but mark my words. You better hope that this fan base doesn’t walk out on this team again. You never know what could happen. That could be strike three and then the King could to leave.

Bad d’Emotion

/ Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment
d'Arnaud needs major league experience

d’Arnaud needs major league experience

The Mets demotion of Travis d’Arnaud has created quite the stir within the organization. While the organization believes the demotion will allow d’Arnaud to work on his swing, he’s hitting .180 this season, the bigger issue is the current state of the Mets catching. There is no question that d’Arnaud has struggled at the plate, by what Mets player hasn’t? His value to the team has been his ability to handle the young pitching staff and his solid defense. When he was the centerpiece for the R.A. Dickey trade d’Arnaud was hyped for his bat. Despite being disappointing in that regard, his catching ability has helped the Mets pitching staff be one of the best in the majors in 2014. If anything he needs time in the majors to work on his hitting and see more major league pitching.  Right now d’Arnaud is the Mets best option. Anthony Recker has struggled mightily in a starting role and has been better suited or a backup role. Taylor Teagarden? Barely an acceptable backup in the majors.  With no other prospects even close to the major league level or any cheap replacements on the market, it will be better for the Mets to keep d’Arnuad in the majors. Not only to appease the other players, but to allow d’Arnaud to keep developing.  With the Mets recent “mishandling” of Ike Davis fresh in the minds of Mets fans, one can only hope that the Mets have not mishandled this situation.