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      Dorsett: Big Ben “lucky” to still be a Steeler

      February 1, 2011 /
      Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hugs a teammate after the Steelers defeated the New York Jets 24-19, winning the AFC Championship, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 23, 2011. The Steelers will face the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

      Something that hasn’t gone unnoticed amidst all the Super Bowl hype is the fact that Ben Roethlisberger has come a long way since his offseason troubles. It seems like decades ago that Big Ben missed the first four games of the season after being suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell for his off-field behavior.

      And as Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett pointed out to ESPN’s Matt Mosley, Roethlisberger is fortunate to be where he is right now.

      When I asked Dorsett about Ben Roethlisberger’s issues, he was quick to respond:

      “They will not allow a player to smear the organization,” he said. “They wanted to let that situation run its course. But I promise you he is very lucky to still be on that team.”

      Dorsett wasn’t reaching with his comments. Roethlisberger is very lucky to still be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was talk of the team trading him around draft time in April and while they never did, this season still could have played out much differently.

      Considering they played the Falcons, Titans, Bucs and Ravens to start the season, you can’t blame pundits who thought the Steelers would be fortunate to start the year 2-2. But they went 3-1 with Big Ben on the sidelines, which is a testament to the team that Kevin Colbert has built over the years. (“Team” being the operative word.)

      What would have happened had the Steelers lost three of their first four games instead of winning three of four? While we can’t assume anything, it’s not a stretch to think that they would not have earned the No. 2 seed and therefore, may not have reached the Super Bowl. Worse yet, what if Big Ben’s suspension at the start of the year sent this team into a tailspin and they never recovered? What if he played poorly upon his return?

      It’s interesting to look back at what has happened over the last six months or so.

      External Sports, NFL

      Vikings’ DE Griffen arrested twice in three days

      February 1, 2011 /
      Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick evades a sack attempt by Minnesota Viking defensive end Everson Griffen during third quarter Philadelphia Eagles-Minnesota Vikings game action in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field December 28, 2010. UPI/Eileen Angelino

      A day after the St. Paul Pioneer Press suggested that he would be given a chance to win a starting job this offseason, Vikings’ defensive end Everson Griffen was arrested twice in three days.

      On Monday, he was tasered and arrested after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop. The incident took place near USC’s campus, where Griffen attended school. He reportedly became aggressive with officers after he was asked to show an I.D. that he didn’t have. After attempting to run away, he finally assaulted one of them and was charged with felony battery.

      Three days prior to that arrest, he was also hauled in for public drunkenness on Friday night in Hollywood.

      From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

      The Los Angeles Times reported that Griffen said “he did not want to go back to jail.”

      Griffen also was cited by police in Nantucket, Mass., for a noise violation on July 4, 2009, but it wasn’t completely clear initially why he would have mentioned going back to jail. TMZ’s website helped to clear up why Griffen mentioned returning to jail when it was the first to report that he spent time Saturday in police custody.

      I don’t see why this fine, upstanding gentleman wouldn’t be given a chance to start next season. Clearly his decision-making is top notch and obviously he’s dedicated to football in the offseason.

      Looks like the Vikes might be seeking a defensive end this offseason.

      External Sports, NFL

      Robbie Lawler, seven other fighters suspended

      February 1, 2011 /

      Eight fighters, including top contender Robbie Lawler, have been suspended following Saturday night’s “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg” writes Nate Lawson of HeavyMMA.com.

      The California State Athletic Commission released the medical suspensions stemming from “Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Cyborg” on Monday. Seven fighters were suspended, including Robbie Lawler.

      Robbie Lawler, who was submitted by Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, was suspended for 180 days with 180 days no contact until cleared by physician for a possible fracture to his left foot. Scott Carson, who was defeated by Hershel Walker via technical knockout, was suspended for 45 days with 30 days no contact. He needs a new physical to be cleared in California.

      Nate Moore has been suspended for 180 days with 180 days no contact or until cleared by physician for possible fracture on his right wrist and right hand. Also, Nathan Coy, who was brutally knocked out on the evening’s preliminary card, has been suspended indefinitely and must be cleared by a doctor. Still, a 90-day suspension awaits him regardless of a doctor’s clearance.

      Four other fighters were also suspended, including Eric Lawson (60 days), Stephanie Webber (45 days), Lucas Gamaza (45 days), and Charlene Gellner (45 days).

      Read more MMA headlines.

      External Sports, Mixed Martial Arts, UFC

      Hanley Ramirez says that now he’s motivated

      January 31, 2011 /

      Hanley Ramirez told reporters over the weekend that he’s very motivated to rebound in 2011. He even joked that he will be the first player to “win Rookie of the Year twice.”

      From the Miami Herald:

      “I’m going to be the first player to win Rookie of the Year twice,” Hanley Ramirez playfully told the Marlins and his agent this winter. That’s obviously impossible, but his message – as agent Andy Mota explained – is clear: Ramirez “has the hunger of a rookie” after a humbling 2010.

      “Everyone will be very surprised with the new Hanley and his whole makeup,” manager Edwin Rodriguez said. “He is very motivated. He was very disappointed in his season. He knows the whole offense revolves around him.”

      That’s great, but where was this “hunger of a rookie” last year? Dude makes almost $12 million a year – why can’t the Marlins get his best effort every season?

      Players have up and down seasons – that’s just part of being an athlete. But one thing that Ramirez seems to have a problem with effort. Nobody questions his ability as a player – it’s his drive and focus that are the problem. He doesn’t always hustle and he doesn’t always adjust when his game needs tweaking. As the Miami Herald article points out, he gave away at bats last year because he was unwilling or unable to adjust his approach at the plate. When athletes get older, they have to adjust their game because the opposition knows how to attack their weaknesses.

      Will Ramirez be a player that evolves over time or will he continue to rest on his natural abilities? Furthermore, will he put in the work and dedication needed to become one of the very best? He certainly has the athletic ability but does he have the drive? Considering he started his workouts a month early this year, it looks like he does. But we’ll see.

      External Sports, MLB

      Spears: Would the Cavs win the D-League championship?

      January 31, 2011 /

      I took some grief for having the Cavs ranked dead last in our NBA preview, but after a decent 7-9 start, the Cleveland has lost 30 of its last 31 games and has the worst record in the league.

      In the video clip below, Yahoo! Sports Marc Spears and Greg Anthony talk about how the Cavs rebuild. At one point, Spears wonders if the Cavs would win the D-League championship:

      Some might write of Spears’ comments as a joke, but he said he wasn’t “clowning,” and that the roster is that bad.

      Of course the Cavs would win the D-League championship, and it’s an insult to imply that they wouldn’t. Antawn Jamison is a two-time All-Star and Mo Williams made the All-Star game in 2009. J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao are two pretty good bigs.

      Perhaps Spears was talking about the team as it stands, with Williams and Varejao both sidelined with injuries. This roster would still win the D-League, but on any given night, they could have a tough time with a D-League team. Right now, the Cavs are starting Ramon Sessions, Manny Harris, Christian Eyenga, Jamison and Hickson, with Anthony Parker, Daniel Gibson and Samardo Samuels getting most of the minutes off the bench. This roster would have a few tough nights in a 50-game D-League schedule.

      In terms of rebuilding, the Cavs are going to have a tough time attracting a big name free agent after Dan Gilbert’s scathing letter about LeBron after “The Decision.” The letter may have won the hearts of Cavs fans everywhere, but it’s not going to appeal to a free agent looking for a new home. They need to blow up the roster, and that means trading away their three best assets — Jamison, Williams and Varejao — for prospects and/or draft picks. For the Cavs to become a playoff team again, they need to draft really, really well, and strike gold when they have the opportunity to overpay a free agent. That means giving a max deal to a guy who isn’t deserving, but eventually that player grows into his contract. It’s an unlikely scenario, but it’s one that the Cavs have to be counting on if they are hoping to make the postseason anytime soon.

      External Sports, Fantasy Basketball, NBA, News

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