RockyMountainWingGal

HeHe - cannot begin to tell you how much fun that was! Got tickets through the UM club of Denver to the game and there were about 40 of us in our section - plus just a sea of Red in general - which totally pisses off the Avs fans - and boy were they obnoxious tonight. Nice to stick in to them in their own building! Way to go Red Wings Nation - really rocked the Pepsi Center tonight! Go Wings!

Did anyone else stream the "NHL live" show from NHL.com last year. The show went until around July and they weren't sure if it would come back this year?? Sirius used to carry it also, but you could always listen for free via NHL.com. I checked XM's site and they don't have it listed, nor can I find the stream anymore on NHL.com Anyhow, pretty good around the league show. Since NHL is not really covered on TV anymore (actually I get NHL network now and there are a few OK shows and occasional games), it would be nice to have this available again via the internet. Just wondering!

Actually I thought Tom Brady was pretty damn funny on SNL a few years ago.... Tom in SNL skit Of course I voted for Brady 'cause I'm a Michigan girl and I'm biased. I thought after Peyton won the ring they were pretty even, but this season has solidified Brady as among the best of all time....and he's still young. The only reason to even watch the NFL imo is to catch either Brady or Manning play...all other teams are pretty boring and mediocre. And this most definitely includes the Lions - waste of 3 hours of my day...

For good reason. He threatened someone's life with a gun during an altercation and then pistol-whipped him with the gun - most guys would have done at least a little time for this, but he probably got off on probation on account of his NFL influence. Above poster said "he was turning his life around". This is just a euphanism for "he hasn't gotten into trouble for awhile". None of us will really ever know for sure. The fact that he was still hanging onto his house in a bad neighborhood instead of moving his child and himself to a safer area (maybe move up to D.C. where he worked) makes me kind of skeptical about the "turning around". In the end, it's just sad that these guys choose to live these kinds of lifestyles. The likelihood of finding the thug shooter is pretty low too - they STILL haven't arrested anyone in Denver 11 months after one of their players was gunned down here most liikely by a gang member - total ineptness of the justice system.

Of course it's hard. However, it would be much easier for these professional athletes to do it, solely because of their paychecks. Many of the people left in the ghetto would have a much harder time ditching their past. Yes it's hard to tell bad influences to get lost once you move on, but they need to start doing it before more things like this happen. I know it's easy for us to sit here and judge, but these guys are grown men that need to start taking responsibility for themselves and their families - they can do it!

Similar thing happened in Denver this year - New Years Eve to be specific - Bronoco's corner Darrant Williams was murdered when his limo was gunned down by some gang members. First of all, nobody deserves to have their life ended needlessly this way. However, these guys need to learn to leave the bad crowd behind them when they move onto the NFL. The fellow here was at a party in which there were gang members present - and there was a "disagreement" earlier. You have to just NOT go to parties where these bad characters hang out - and not associate with those people AT ALL - even if they used to be your so-called friends. NFL players have enough money to move out of the ghetto and leave that life behind - hopefully this will help others think about this. It's just sad that this guy had to die because he wouldn't leave his Miami roots behind - and that his family was put in danger because they were still there. This all may sound harsh, but I really have a thing against the whole "gangster" mentality. And I don't think law enforcement is tough enough on these losers - they just released the key witness in the Denver case - they should have kept here in jail forever until she agreed to testify - makes me sick. Now this felllow Taylor won't even get a chance to mature and move on with his life.

Now that Lloyd Carr's retirement is imminent, I thought it would be fortuitous to start a tribute thread. As an alum, I've been a Carr fan and supporter. You have to think back to what I watched for the prior 10 years to realize he actually opened up the offense (hard to believe I know but it was a step forward). The era of "franchise" coaches is gone, and who knows what the future holds, but I believe in the long run his legacy will be very positive. Lloyd brought us a championship - sure it was 10 years ago - but it's something Bo couldn't do - and let's face it, they're hard to come by. And you cannot disregard his stance as a Michigan man off field - very charitable - very active in the community. Overall 121-41 with 5 Big Ten titles - I think most programs would be ecstatic to have that record. Of course we all know the program has gone a bit downhill these last 4 years with 4 losses to OSU and the 4 Bowl losses. Certainly it's time for a change, but I'll miss Lloyd and wish him the best. I'm a little bit miffed at the posters in some of the UM forums at their attitude - although I realize they're probably not even true UM fans or grads, and in reality aren't probably half the man a coach like Carr is... Here's to the future of Michigan football and hoping they hire the right guy - and hopeful that we see Lloyd cheering on the Maize and Blue from the booths. I'm hoping the team can get healthy, get it together and send him out with a Bowl win.

Straight forward answer: I think Michigan is far above "good". You could make an argument they are not "elite" anymore, but who is? Most other top programs have had some very down years with losing records (ie USC) but the fact that Michigan hasn't is a credit to the program. The bowl record for sure should be better. Bo's Rose Bowl record was terrible. Lloyd started out great in Bowls but has taken a downward spiral obviously. Of course, we're playing Texas and USC in the Rose Bowl, and not a MAC team in the Motor City Bowl. Not an excuse, but I guess I'd rather have a shot at beating the great teams than get easy wins vs. the nobodys. The "co-championship" criticism is unwarranted since there are very often co-champs even in the BCS era (ie USC and LSU a few years ago). The fact that UM didn't get an opportunity to play Nebraska cannot be held against them (or vice versa). So in my opinion they are still elite - pretty much a ranked team every year. However, we are in need of a change to try to remain an "elite" program. The problem is that can backfire on you like it has to many other programs (Nebraska??). p.s. The HBO special on the UM-OSU rivalry is awesome - I recommend it highly. One thing that stands out is that there will probably be no more "franchise" coaches like we used to have. Now you have characters like, hmm, Sabin comes to mind, that bounce around every year. Guys like Bo and Woody probably would have coached for free they were so obsessed with their programs. Guys like Duffy Dougherty lived in the same neighborhood as all of the fans. Now these guys only want to win to get to the next fattest contract offer. At least Lloyd is not like that. I wish him well in his (pending) retirement. Go Blue!

I heard the same thing about the NFL, NBA and NHL and they still got it done. MLB has no excuse. I would certainly take a labor strike for an equity-based league that doesn't favor two teams. Also, if you look at your list of teams, big money teams make the playoffs consistently (Yankees and now Sox now that they upped their payroll). That leaves the other teams less of a chance to even get into the playoffs. Also, when the Wings, Rangers, Avs had the big NHL payrolls, we didn't win the Cup every year either - but we were always in the mix. Lastly, only a few teams have a legitimate chance at landing an A-Rod. That's not fair to fans when their teams have no shot at landing super star players. Realistically I know it probably won't happen for a long time, and the Tigers aren't even in a terrible spot with their owner's pocketboook, but it would be the bes thing for the game in the long run. Have teams pay 40 mill or whatever it was to buy out a foreign player's contract is just ridiculous.

That's actually kind of sad because the only people that would get hurt by cutting federal financial aid funds - would be currenly enrolled students dependent on the aid. The U itself could fill those spots with students that don't take aid - which would make the U even more exclusionary. On a lighter note, are they sure the folks that complained weren't a bunch of MSU students posing as diasbled and disgruntled UM fans?

It's more of hatred for MLB for allowing to league to become what it is. The Sox play within the practically non-existent rules - I dislike them, but really baseball has allowed this. I always rooted for them vs. the Yankees, but now they pretty much ARE the Yankees. With all 3 other major sports leagues now adopting a salary system, it's time for baseball. I didn't go to games for 5 years until last year because of the way the league runs itself (payroll, steroid testing, etc). I came back last year when the Tigers got me into it, and my hometown team this year - the Rockies - were in it this year. But realistically, these teams have much less of a chance to compete in the league the way it is. Yes, even the Tigers cannot compete with the 2 big payroll teams. It's really a shame because it's a great game and it's time for MLB to take control of itself. The NFL did it and they are the most successful sports league.

Nice collapse by the Tri be - at least the Tigers waited to collapse until the World Series... Would have much rather had the Rockeis play the Indians than the Sox. Red Sox=Yankees imo, same bloated payroll, same east coast fans. Here's hoping that the Sox can't take the thin air - and I'd say the cold but Boston is used to cold. Rockies had too much time off - hope they didn't lost their edge. The Rockies players are far more likeable than the overpaid egos on Boston....Wish they were playing the Tigers.....next year!

Now that the season is half-way over, I'd have to give the BTN a thumbs up. I saved $100 not having to buy ESPN gameplan. Michigan is on TV every week between the BTN/ESPN/ABC etc. Plus I can waste my time late at night watching "Big Ten classic replays" - lol. Kudos to the Big Ten for expanding their viewability to the fans (for those of us who aren't in the midwest). Hope the thing doesn't bust!

I'd vote for Jacksonville. Boring team - the state of Florida already has two teams - how they got a third baffles me, I would have placed an NFL team iin 10 other places besides Jville....but hey I'm not the commish...

I thought the FOX/TBS thing was a ratings issue, but as someone pointed out above, that is where the AL and NL have contracted their DS series respectively. Apparently, none of us out West watch TV.. Nonetheless, the media is already crying about the possibility of "no Boston or NYY" in the World Series. Sickening - same thing last year - Detroit-St Louis. Two traditional baseball towns in big cities, but boo-hoo it's not New York. I like how the rest of the fans around the country get dissed. Sure Denver isn't a traditional baseball town, but it's nice to see some different teams in the playoffs. Unfortunately I think the AL is better all around and the Rockies have beaten up on the NL teams thus far - but I'll root for them anyways - scr$%w Boston and NY! Hard to root for the Tribe since they are the Tigs rivals - here's to the Tigers getting back in '08!

Rockies are going to get screwed by the schedule like the Tigers did last year (no excuse for them losing but it's a punishment to hot teams to give them a week off). Someone tell me why IF the Indians win tomorrow night (again wtf is up w a day off during a playoff homestand?) that the World Series wouldn't start this weekend???????????? More people would watch if the series opened on Saturday or Sunday than whatever messed up day they have scheduled: Wednesday? When the last series ends.....the next one should start a few days later - this isn't the Superbowl!

I have a huge problem with players taking the season off and suddenly returning just in time for the playoffs. The NHL should have a clear cut rule against this. AKA Forsberg in 2002 where he miraculously recovered right before the playoffs. Sure the guy had his spleen removed the previous season and he should have taken the time off BUT he should not be allowed back then until the next season - no playoffs. I'm not sure why Selanne has to be by Dec 1 but no time table for Niedermayer? - the whole thing is a joke. If they want to take a season off (aka Hasek) that's fine but no returning in the spring. All teams could do this including the Wings if they have a late playoff run the previous season. We could sit Hasek out and probably still win our crappy division and bring him back in the spring. I don't like this kind of thing at all - there needs to be a clear deadline for active players - or they have to wait the whole year out.... ps. we need Goodell as a commish - a no BS guy that puts his foot down.

That's a good point - give each manager 2 per game. That way someone won't be asking for replay every pitch. Might have not touched homeplate BUT the umps also called a Rockies HR a double - it bounced off of something in the stands and back in. So actually both teams got screwed once.....

No instant replay - I agree. The game takes long enough as it is. I lucked out and got tix to the NL wild card play in. I was sitting first level on the third base line and I still couldn't see the play clearly. The umps blew the home run non-call earlier in the game too. Guess you got to live with it as baseball fans. As sorry as I was that the Tigers blew their post-season chances, I'm really glad my new hometown Rockies got in. Fans here deserve this after putting up with their horrible ownership for years. Best ball game I've ever been to in person last night! I'm lucky to have been part of it. Go Rockies! Go Tigers in '08!

women's as been pretty exciting imo. Venus - Jankovic match was outstanding. Only men's I've watched have been great: Blake vs Haas and Nadal vs Ferrer. However, I'm just so tired of Roger Federer I can hardly gear myself up to watch the men's side. Sure he's the "greatest champion ever" but it is just so boring to watch him beat everyone up. He's actually fallable this US Open and I still doubt anyone will beat him. ARod just lost the first set tie-break. He probably even outplayed Federer in that set - but this is always the way it goes. Nadal is out. MAYBE Haas or Ferrer have a shot?? I'm just sick and tired of this. It would be so refreshing to have a new champion (of Aussie, Wimbledon, or the USOpen) that it means so much more to than "just another trophy in my stack of slams".

Good post. While I was as shocked as everyone at the upset, I remember all of the above games you listed. I actually expect that Michigan will not stomp on "less talented" opponents shall we say. And if you don't put them away to a certain degree - you always leave that door open for the other team to find a way to win late - IIA or not (Nebraska Alamo Bowl 2005?). You would think for the next 20 years Michigan will not fall into the trap of not taking its opposition seriously...

Or he could sell his ticket to an OSU fan and make some money at least.....

^^ In reference to MSU, does anyone know if they ever SCHEDULED a Division IIA team? I've been reading that most schools are very skeptical to do so, for fear of what happened last Saturday. CU (Univ of Colorao) - where I work lost to a Division IIA - Montana State - last year. I think they get on the IA schedules, just not often....

As a Michigan fan, I hate how many seasons start with "Natl Champ" hopes. I suppose every team has some kind of title hopes before the season starts - but I prefer ( as a fan of course) to just play the first several games and see where things stand after that. I don't even think they should rank teams until a game's been played - but that will never happen with all the pre-season magazines and shows.... Personally, after the last two seasons, I'd be fine with 2-3 losses (NOT to OSU though) and a bowl game win (no Rose Bowl!). It's not that I don't want my team to win a title, it's just the expectation every year is a little over the top. btw, I'm curious as to what happened to you at law school at State that made you dislike UM so much? Seen as how you didn't go to undergrad there, I'm just wondering..... I grew up in EL watching the Spartans then moved to A2 for college, so I root for both teams, but I take Blue over Green in the state rival game. Eva's glasses are so blue that he's legally blind. One thing I'm actually relieved about is people can stop talking about Natl Championships... And NO Rose Bowl please - UM never wins there - it's unlikely anyways and we've been there 3/4 years - California is sick of us! Any bowl win would be an improvement at this point.....

I told by friend at work from NC before the game that Michigan had a tough schedule and would probably lose 3 games - said friend from NC warned me that App. State was pretty good - defending IIA champs- unbeaten streak. Said friend turned out to be right....tomorrow will be rough at work! Deja vu: UM being overranked to start the season and losing their first game. Sure a surprise that is was App State and not Oregon next week handing them their first loss - but the overhype on ESPN about the upset is ridiculous. I live in Colorado and they got beat the first game last year by IAA (but they weren't ranked so I guess that doesn't count)... I've been a Carr fan - but this is pretty indefensable. Not so much that they lost - but that the team has been completely unprepared the last two games. There is no excuse for that - he owned up to it at least (cough cough JL Smith). I don't feel right about him leaving now and having another coach - probably an asst from within have to finish off the season. I think it's his job to right the ship. However, I think the classy thing to do would be to resign after this season. It's been a great run, but the dike has too many holes in it. I think it's admirable that Michigan holds onto its coaches for a long time instead of swapping them out every few years like some programs do, but it's just time. I wouldn't want Lloyd to turn into a JoPa.....(stayed about 10 years too long!) As a fan, I've been there for the good times, so I'll be there for the bad ones too. Season should be interesting still for the Big Ten. Finally, congrats to Appy State. Made a fan out of me. Now that's a team with alot of heart. If they played the Lions, I'd put my money on......