College Football Finally Has "Playoffs"

A four - team playoff series has been approved by a presidential oversight committee today. This change will begin in 2014 and will continue until 2025. The four teams in the playoffs will be chosen by a selection committee. The semi-finals will be held at the current bowl sites and the national championship will be awarded to the highest bidder. The Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick gave the presented the proposal in front of a board of 12 university presidents and in less than three hours later, there was an agreement to have college playoffs!

As the decision was made, the group of presidents endorsed a rotation for the semi-final games among the six bowl sites and the championships games among the neutral sites. The semi-finals will be played on either New Year's Eve or on New Year's Day. The title game will be played the first Monday in January which is referred to as " Championship Monday". There will be three contract bowls. The Champions Bowl, which is a partnership between the Big 12 and SEC. The Rose Bowl, which has a longstanding tradition between the Big Ten and Pac 12, and a bowl to be determined for the ACC. which is more likely to continue its partnership with the Orange Bowl.

According to ACC Commissioner John Swofford, they will have an announcement on their contract bowl and New Year's Day tie-in. The three other bowl which are called the "access bowls" have yet to be determined. This will force the Sugar and Fiesta Bowls to become bidders. The decision made today possibly could squeeze the Big East out of the postseason as its champion is no longer guaranteed a spot in one of the six major bowls. The "automatic qualifiers" label also will disappear in the new system and those programs will have no guaranteed access to the new structure. Bob Bowlsby, the  Big 12 commissioner called it an "open marketplace for all schools."

The Mountain West Conference did not receive a waiver to qualify fot the next two years. Wright Waters, the Football Bowl Association director stated "Today is the beginning of an exciting time in the future of college football and we are committed to continuing the rich tradition of the bowls." The championship game will not be branded as a bowl game and it will be managed by the conferences. The presidents also selected a committee that will rank the teams to play in the playoffs. Two main topics still needs further discussion on how teams will be selected and how revenue will be distributed. The commissioners have agreed in principle as to how the revenue will be divided, according to Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany. That has not been made public yet. The commissioners also still need to decide a name for the playoff.The decision is subject to passage of the appropriate legislation by the NCAA Board of Directors to permit the two semifinal winners to play an additional postseason game. Swofford called it a "milestone" for college football.

Cordell Broadus, Snoop Dogg's Son Lands Football Scholarship From UCLA

Just a sophmore in high school, Cordell's skills on the field already landing him scholarships. He is a defensive back and wide receiver for Diamond Bar (California) High School. According to the NFP (National Football Post) and ESPNLA, Jim Mora Jr. looked over the fact that he only played one year in high school. Cordell is already 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. It is said that he has a body which could develop into that of a legitimate Division I prospect, but who knows whether he'll continue to grow?

Accrding to Cameron Smith for Prep Rally, it is hard to believe that Mora is offering a scholarship to him for a large part of PR benefits. He also states that "Snoop Dogg officially claims to be a USC fan, so snapping up a commitment from his son could give the school requisite street cred and offer a certain buzz to a program which sorely needs just such a jolt of excitement." Diamond Bar's head coach even agrees that Cordell Broadus is a wise move for the Bruins.

The Diamond Bar's Ryan Maine stated to ESPNLA "We're expecting him to really lead us the next three years," after he first tweeted the news. Maine also stated ""Hopefully [our athletes] get bigger, stronger and keep leading this team." Cordell Broadus stated during his interview with ESPNLA "The move was difficult when it first happened, meeting new friends and a new team," Broadus said. "It's been good ever since. The competition level at Long Beach Poly is a whole lot different than it is down here, but I've learned that it's all on me and how hard I work." I am pretty sure for the next three years there will be more news and updates from this rising foootball star.

Oklahoama City Thunder Has Some Of The Most Loyal Fans

Upon their mid-day arrival from Miami on Friday, the Oklahoma City Thunder were greeted by thousands of fans showing their appreciation for a great season. Players took turns on the mic thanking fans as they were taken by surprise. As Sixth Man of The Year James Harden took the mic he stated ''I don't think any other NBA team has the support that we have, and it means a lot to us,''  ''I know my teammates are definitely appreciative of you guys. Again, thank you." ''Next year, we'll be back in that situation and we're going to bring a championship here.''

Many of the players apologized to the fans for not bringing the series back home. The Thunder has come a long way within the four years they have been in Oklahoma. That is all the fans need in order to show them that they are a huge part of that city. In the off season, there will be difficult decisions made involving James Harden and Serge Ibaka who is entering their final year with the Thunder. On another note, the line-up remains the same. I am pretty sure like any other team in the league, OKC will work hard to make sure that their fans will have the big championship parade next year.

Miami Heat Are The 2012 NBA Champions!

Last night Lebron James finally got a championship ring after nine hard-fought years in the league. His critics can now cut him some slack. He had to do what was best for him if he wanted to continue on that road to a championship. He knew that his time was up in Cleveland.
"I'm happy now that eight years later, nine years later since I've been drafted, that I can finally say that I'm a champion, and I did it the right way," James said. "I didn't shortcut anything. You know, I put a lot of hard work and dedication in it, and hard work pays off. It's a great moment for myself.".

The Oklahoma City Thunder played a wonderful series. To be as young as they are and make it to the NBA Finals is beyond a success story. They are just inexperienced when it come to a series such as the finals. I know that in the years to come, they are going to be a force to be reckoned with because those boys are going to be together for years to come especially if Harden and Ibaka choose to extend their contracts. "It hurts, man," Durant said. "We're all brothers on this team, and it just hurts to go out like this. We made it to the Finals, which was cool for us, but we didn't want to just make it there. Unfortunately we lost, so it's tough." They just hit 3s after 3s. They got it going and we couldn't stop them," Kendrick Perkins said. "Things just didn't go our way." LeBron James also got the Bill Russell MVP Award with becoming the fith player to have a triple-double in a championship game.

Recent Interview Makes NBA Commissioner David Stern Upset

Jim Rome struck a nerve when he recently interviewed NBA Commissioner David Stern. Rome stated that he "thought he was asking a softball question" when he asked the Commissioner about the NBA Draft Lottery. He asked Stern whether the lottery was fixed because the New Orleans Hornets was just recently sold to the Saints owner Tom Benson, and they won the number one draft pick which is more than likely Kentucky's Anthony Davis. After the question was asked, Stern informed him that it wasn't and a debate took place after the legitimacy of the question. Stern then responede with "Have you stopped beating your wife?". Jim Rome later stated on his television show that he asked the question for the sake of the fans that didn't understand why New Orleans won the draft pick.

The Atlanta Dream "Sparks" Past Los Angeles

Angel McCoughtry scored 31 of the 92 points last night in the victory against the LA Sparks. Being held out of the starting lineup didn't seem to take effect at all. Atlanta snapped LA's five game winning streak with this game. Lindsey Harding (18 points) and Sancho Lyttle (13 points) both scored double figures, and Anieka Henry grabbed nine rebounds to help Atlanta skate pass the Sparks.

On the other hand, the Sparks did not have a player in double figures until the WNBA's number one draft pick Nneka Ogwumike scored her 11th point out of her 13. Sparks star Candace Parker was only held to nine points. The records now for each team is Atlanta (4-5) and Los Angeles (7-2). ``We need to come out with a lot of energy,'' Candace Parker stated. ``We can't start the way we did because it trickles down the rest of the game. We need to stay aggressive. I think our defense needs to dictate the way we play offensively and not vice versa.'' The Dream plays again at Philips Arena Sunday against the Connecticut Sun.

NBA Finals Is Tied 1-1

The series is now gone to South Beach. The LeBron James and Kevin Durant matchup has became one of the most intense since the Bird and Magic, and Jordan and Malone matchups. The Heat got away with the victory by only four points when Lebron James stopped Durant from tying the game. In games one and two, the Thunder has got off to a slow start and was able to pull off only one win out of the two. Game three will be Sunday night on ABC. I am pretty sure that the games preceding these are going to be nail biters!!! Durant and James both had 32 points in this game. I am pretty sure that the volume in the American Airlines Arena is going to be just as loud as it was in the Chesapeake Bay Arena in Oklahoma.

Chad Ochocinco Is "Back Home"

It has been confirmed that Chad Ochocinco has signed with the Miami Dolphins after working out with them. It is only a one year contract. It is believed that he may do a little better with the Dolphins than he did with the Patriots because they don't have a difficult system of option routes. Considering that Miami does not have that many wide receivers, it seems like Ochocinco may have some playing time. With his veteran expertise, I'm pretty sure the coach wouldn't mind. Well, we have just over 80 days left until football season starts. Let's see how he adapts to this team. Stay tuned......

Semi-Pro Football Team Mississippi Ironhorse Floats Past The Emerald Coast Scorpions This Past Weekend

I know football fans around the world are anticipating the kickoff of the NFL season. In the meantime, here is a team that will catch your interest and sure would have you wanting to know more about them. That is the Mississippi Ironhorse. Over the weekend, they defeated the visiting Emerald Coast Scorpions from Florida 38-14. Please check out this video from the game and stay tuned for more on this team.

 Miss. Ironhorse 38 Emerald Coast Scorpians(FL) 14

Ironhorse v Scorpians

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MS Ironhorse vs Scorpians

The Patriots Release Chad Ochocinco

The New Englan Patriots released Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco today after not being able to come to agreement with another team to trade him to. Last year, Ochocinco only had 15 catches and 276 yards. According to NFL.com, The Patriots' system require the wideouts to make split decisions based on the defense placed front of them. It requires them to be on the same page as Quarterback Tom Brady. Chad Ochocinco could never figure it out. He often lined up in the wrong places, a problem that has extended into this offseason. He still has plenty of time to contact another team. I wonder who will pick him up? Stay tuned because I am pretty sure there will be news for that soon.

Jacksonville, FL Natives Tim Tebow and Chipper Jones Partner To Open a D1 Training Facility In Orlando

Accoding to Around The League writer Marc Sessler, Chipper Jones interviewed with the Associated Press this week talking about Tebow saying "He's probably the most recognizable figure in America right now. We're from the same area in Jacksonville. I know he comes from a good family." "His faith is as strong as anybody you'll ever meet. And I don't even know him, you know? So that's my impression of him from afar. That being said, I'm a long-time loyal Gator, and he can do no wrong in my eyes." Tebow already co-owns a D1 Facility in Savannah. For all you Tebow fans in the Orlando, Tampa, FL area, he will be hosting a members only trainign event at the gym on June 24th!!!

Over and Beyond Basketball, LLC

The Over And Beyond Basketball Organization was founded by Decatur, Georgia native and former professional basketball player for the ABA, Omar Collington. His dreams began at the age of 13 when he realized that he was going down the wrong path. He put his focus on the game of basketball where he found a positive outlet, developed discipline, and an outstanding work ethic. Omar spent his high school years at Decatur High. During his senior year in 2002, he helped the Bulldogs obtain a winning record of 28-4. They were also the State Championship Runner-Ups that same year. Omar was also named to the 2nd All-State Georgia Team.

Receiving a four-year scholarship to the University of North Carolina-Asheville, Omar continued playing basketball. In 2006, he was named the UNC-A Most Valuable Player. Soon after college, he went on to have a five-year professional career in the American Basketball Association. In 2011, He was named the TV Ibbenburen International Tournament MVP. This tournament consisted of 17 teams that hailed from coountries such as Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Ghana. Now residing back in Decatur, GA, Omar wants to give back to the community by working with the youth showing them the aspects of life along with the fundamentals of basketball. The vision of the organization captures the essence of who they are and the mission is to instill in every student athlete a true sence of knowing how to compete to their full potential academically and athletically. Stay tuned for more on this organization.

NFL Dream Still Comes True For Convicted California High School Star

Back in 2002, California High School football star Brian Banks was accused of raping and kidnapping a classmate. Throughout his 62 months in prison and five years of probation registered as a sex offender, he never lost hope. He served time because he took the advice of his former attorney stating: "Your'e a big black teenager, they're going to assume your'e guilty." Before the conviction, his skills caught the interests of  Ohio State, Michigan, and USC.

Just last week, Banks was vindicated because he was able to present evidence of the alleged accuser  on video admitting that he never raped her. Now his prayers have been answered. He is getting ready to work out with as many as four NFL teams. He is scheduled to work out with the Seattle Seahawks on June 7th. The Redskins, Dolphins, and Chiefs have also took interest in him. At the tender age of 26, he is still young, skilled, and ready for the football field. Banks is also the definition of a humble guy. He stated that he never had any grudge or harsh feelings towards his accuser and matter of fact, he has forgave her.  His main focus was his dream to be in the NFL. Here is a prime example, dreams do come true!!!!