UFC First Impressions

I laid down the money and bought the UFC ppv show last night. After all of the build-up, whether it was the cover of SI, the interviews and weigh-ins on ESPN, or the fact that I knew a ton of people that would be watching this, I had to get it. I had never seen one of these events before and I figured it was about time. I went on-line and put 25 bucks on the event. I bet 4 underdogs-- I have Kalib Starnes ($5), Houston Alexander ($5), Jonathan Buckman ($5), and Rampage Jackson ($10). I have never seen any of these guys fight, but I like rooting for the underdog. Alexander is easily the longest shot of the night.

Remember, I don't claim to know about this, these are my first impressions.

My first thought during the broadcast was how UFC has got this right. There viewers are prodominently young males, and everything associated with the build-up is young and hip. The President of UFC is a young hip guy (Dana White) who represents the organization well and could easily just be a guy in the crowd. That helps. The big-name announcer is Joe Rogan. Who hates Joe Rogan? Nobody I know does. The guy seems cool, and again, seems like a great face for something young and hip.

The ring announcer is Bruce Buffer. Is that Michael's younger brother? Must be. A ring announcing family? Michael Buffer does every big fight in boxing and his brother does the big UFC events? Talk about cornering the market.

The first fight was ok. It went to the cards and I thought it was funny that the loser starting saying "screw the judges, screw the scoring." While the winner, Kalib Starnes, said "I would have given him the win." That's a winner for Verno.

The second fight was awesome. Some older guy named Houston Alexander was making his UFC debut and was a huge underdog. He is from East St. Louis and he looks huge to me. He is fighting some guy that is really popular called the "dean of mean." It's a cool nickname, but he got the crap kicked out of him in less than a minute. Houston Alexander don't play. I could have told anyone that you probably don't want to fight a guy from East St. Louis, but what do I know? Oh wait, I had money on that, pay the man.

The third fight was ok. Some guy named Terry Martin beat up some guy pretty bad. I was eating some chips and dip while this one was going on.

The fourth fight was against a judo guy (Parysian) vs. a guy named Jonathan Buckman. I was impressed when they said that Buckman was an all-state wrestler and baseball player in high school and turned down D1 scholarships in football to be a MMA guy. Nice athletic resume. The judo guy could have been in the Olympics for judo but he went to UFC. The fight went to the cards and the judo guy won. It was a pretty good fight, but not as good as the announcers said. And I lost my 5 bucks on that one.

At this point it seems like the event is going quickly so UFC is gonna replay fights from earlier in the night. I wish they would have more background stuff about the fighters, like boxing does, between the matches.

The fifth fight had an older guy fighting a 21 year old making his debut. The fight had to be stopped because the older guy was gonna break the rook's arm. I like the violence, but I didn't want to see the arm get broken. Good stopage.

THE MAIN EVENT

Rampage Jackson is from Memphis and I am gonna be rooting for him. He is a big underdog. I love the fact that he howls like a wolf and wears a chain that you could buy at Home Depot. It takes him about a minute to beat the crap out of Chuck Liddell. I must confess that I was totally into this, I was going nuts. It was like watching a Tyson fight, except almost nobody thought Rampage would win. Raliegh Egypt represent. Pay the man.

Here is the sum of it...

I cannot believe that the CA does not even mention this event, or the fact that Jackson won considering he is a Memphis guy. How behind the times can you be? Foresight please.

If a boxer got in the ring in this sport, he would get beat up badly. If one of the MMA fighters took on a boxer in a real boxing match, he would get the crap kicked out of him. It is two different sports.

I do worry that MMA will face the problem of over-saturation. When I was a kid and was collecting baseball cards there were 3 or 4 companies. All of the sudden, there were 400 different brands and inserts and everyone lost interest. Poker had this happen. It was cool to see the World Series of Poker but now it is just too much when it is on every channel. It does strike me that everyone is trying to get a piece of this sport and it will be too much.

I thought the event was awesome and I understand why this sport has grown the way it has. It's exciting, there is no denying that. I thought it was worth 40 bucks. I had 25 bucks on the entire event and end with 57 in my account. Gotta love the underdogs.

RAMPAGE!!!!!!!!

Represent. I absolutely loved the ppv. I will have a full rundown of the whole event and my impression of UFC after getting this event. Rampage Jackson beat the absolute crap out of the "face of UFC." I was going crazy. Memphis has a champion.

First UFC Pay Per View Buy on Saturday

I am on board as of Saturday night. I will have a rundown of the event and my thoughts. I am gonna be rooting for the guy from Memphis (Raleigh Egypt HS), Rampage Jackson. This is my guy, unless he loses, and then I am done with him. UFC on the cover of SI, on ESPN.com, its everywhere, and I have to jump in on this.

Jayson Stark audio

If you missed it, ESPN's Jayson Stark was on the show to talk about his new book "The Stark Truth" about the most overrated and underrated baseball players of all-time. The book is great.

Full screen view

Ronnie Brown and Jayson Stark on the Friday show

ESPN baseball analyst Jayson Stark will be on the show at 5 oclock. I love reading the guy on .com, he has a new book on the most over/underrated players of all time, and I am glad we get to talk some baseball with him.

Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown is scheduled to join us in the first hour of the show.

Thank you for coming out to the Saucer

Gary Parrish has a story about our gig at the Flying Saucer on CBS sportsline.com.

Ron Higgins has a story about the party in the Commercial Appeal.

I want to throw up

After spending an entire day and night at the Flying Saucer in anticipation of the lottery, when it was announced I don't know what I was feeling. Sorry for everyone and myself I guess. What a punch in the gut that was. #4? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Well, I said it before tonight and I stick by it, you have to trade Pau Gasol. He is your only real chip and you have to move him for a combo of players and a pick (or picks). Then you sign a free agent PG (Mo Williams) I prefer, and then you probably get Brandan Wright (assuming Atlanta does not trade the pick or take another PF, which knowing them, they may).

You have to trade that pouting Spanish wimp and get something for him. Pau as your best player does not work. This was the chance at a star and it came up short. Scrap the "build around Pau" plan and get you some more talent in here.

There is no good way to paint this. It is a total letdown. Damn.

Mo Williams interview 5-21-07

Come to the Flying Saucer downtown tonight. Here is the Mo Williams interview. Click on channel guide and it is there.

Full screen view

Everything changes on Tues. night (for better or worse)

If you are reading this, you are expected to be at the Flying Saucer downtown on Tuesday night. Here is the release from the Grizzlies...

Flying Saucer – Downtown
730 ESPN’s “The Chris Vernon Show” will broadcast live from 3-6 p.m. before Eric Hasseltine, Grizzlies radio play-by-play announcer joins team mascot Grizz and members of the Grizzlies Dance Team to tip-off the official party. ESPN will be in attendance to shoot fans reactions to air during the live Lottery show.

Come and join us for the show and then the lottery. This is one of those moments that either way we will all be able to say that we remember where we were when...

Let's hope this goes our way.

Mo Williams was on the show on Monday. I will do my best to get the audio up by the morning.

Mo Williams on the show Monday

Bucks PG, soon to be free agent, Mo Williams has been a topic of conversation on the show and amongst Grizzly fans for quite a while now. Williams is scheduled to join us on the show on Monday and we will find out how much he is looking to get on the open market. I might just go ahead and sign him.

He is on in the first hour I believe.

That fight was terrible

I am not going to expound on this now, but needless to say, I want my money back. What a piece of crap fight. Way to make people want to watch you Jermaine. Just Awful! At least the second to last fight was awesome.

USC Basketball Coach Tim Floyd today

Rule changes, OJ Mayo, the NBA playoffs, scheduling against Memphis this year, there is a lot of stuff to get to with Coach Floyd today.

Also, I will attempt to sign Mo Williams of the Bucks to a contract with the Grizzlies when he joins us on Monday. NBA player and ESPN blogger Paul Shirley booked for Monday also.

Update on Don King: We have a chance but he is being tough because he is not the major promotor (it's Lou DiBella's fight to him). He has turned down interviews everywhere from New York to LA because its not "his fight". So its up in the air on that.

Don King on the show on Thursday

Don King will be on the show on Thursday to talk about the Cory Spinks/ Jermaine Taylor fight. On a side note, I ran into Jermaine in the parking lot downtown tonight and he might have the nicest car I have ever seen in my life (black Lamborghini). Don't see those everyday in Memphis.

Also, USC basketball coach Tim Floyd will be on the show on Friday.

Late money update (DROY DeMeco Ryans on show too)

Defensive Rookie of the Year DeMeco Ryans will be on the Wednesday show also. Ryans (former Bama star) was second in the NFL in tackles and had more tackles than any other rookie has had in the last 20 years. He will be on at 5.

Thanks for the emails on guest requests, great ideas so far, keep them coming. Send them to me at verno@730espn.com.

Omar Gaither on the show Wednesday

Former Tennessee Vol and current Eagles LB Omar Gaither will be on the show. Also, keep a look out for some other NFL guys. Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, Houston Texan LB DeMeco Ryans, and others in the coming days/weeks to get some football talk in the off season.

As always, if there are guests that you want us to get, we will take a run at them. We are working on a ton of people right now, but if you have a good idea-- hit me up at verno@730espn.com.

Now the NBA really has a problem...

Tim Duncan also left the bench in last night's game. Here is the video. If the NBA says a rule is a rule, they have to suspend Amare, Diaw, and now Duncan. Wow.

Evaluation

The two best dunks of the weekend deserve your evaluation. Baron's dunk is getting all of the love, but Flip Murray over Kirk Hinrich might end up being criminally underrated.

Come to Southaven RV today

I am out there from 3-6. We are giving away a trip for two to the Indy 500. Flight, hotel, pit passes, tickets, transportation to and from track, VIP stuff, etc. You can go to one of the great sporting events totally for free if you come out and register. This is an embarrassingly huge prize package to win. Like Joakim Noah says, we do it big. Where can you have such a good chance at a huge prize like this? Collecting bottle caps or some crap? All you have to do is be one of the people that gets out there and you have a chance. Get over to Southaven RV. Gary Parrish will be out there with me. 55 south to Church Rd. next to Great American Home Store. Bedare.

Kentucky gets a new coach

Former Texas A&M basketball player Chris Walker has been hired to coach for Billy G at Kentucky. Chris Walker has achieved quick stardom because Chris Walker is on youtube, and oh is he on youtube. This is an instant classic. Hat tips to Gary Parrish and emailer Doug for the heads up on this brilliant version of Total Eclipse of the Heart. I really hope this guy becomes a head coach one day with this still floating around. Good hire Billy. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Helping everyone understand Spain and our Spanish posters

Men dressed up like cheerleaders, a man dressed up like a dalmatian, a stuffed goat on a ladder, and Pau Gasol. Now Spain makes sense to me. Translations needed, I guess.

What is Calvin Borel saying?

A jockey named Calvin Borel won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday and the big mystery remains. We still have no definitive answer as to what this guy was saying. He says that he would "like to thank his fiance Lisa" and then it turns into frontier jibberish (or cajun I suppose). We have gotten a lot of "she did a lot of jobs for me" or some variation of that, but that is not what I hear.
The funniest answer was submitted by a caller named Kevin who claims that the mystery line is "she did DeSagana Diop for me." What I know is if you can be speaking English and there can be a thousand different answers to what you are saying... you have really done something. Please enroll anyone you can to help us answer this incredible mystery. Let's play the game...
What is the Kentucky Derby winning jockey saying?

Full screen view

Also, Pirates pitcher (and former Germantown player) Paul Maholm and Kansas Jayhawks bball coach Bill Self will be on the show tomorrow.

R.I.P Diego Corrales

Boxer Diego Corrales died in a motorcycle accident this morning in Las Vegas. I loved watching this guy fight. The 10th Rd between him and Castillo was one of the best rounds in the history of boxing. I will never forget that fight, it's maybe my favorite of all-time. If you have never seen it, you have to. Corrales/ Castillo Round 10...

Bernard Hopkins makes a surprise visit to the show

We were talking to Bert Sugar live from Vegas today about the De La Hoya/ Mayweather fight when he then passed the phone over to Bernard Hopkins and he gave his thoughts on the fight, as well as his upcoming fight with Winky Wright (where he compares Winky to a turtle). Nice show moment... and if you missed it,
HERE IT IS (Bernard Hopkins on The Chris Vernon Show 5/04/07).

Also, we are going to be out at Southland Greyhound Park in West Memphis on Saturday for the Kentucky Derby. It's the place to be on Derby day. Be Dare. I will be doing a show from noon-3 before the Derby. Be Dare.

God Bless the Golden State Warriors

A tear is running down my face. I don't know if I have ever been so happy about a team winning a series, when it wasn't one of "my teams" winning, as I was when Golden State knocked off the Mavericks. When a team like the Warriors can pull off the biggest upset in NBA history by playing a running, chaotic style, they can be a serious agent for change league-wide. This sends an incredible message that can be even bigger than the whole "well you cannot win a championship playing that style" argument. Only one team wins a championship, but what is providing us with winning playoff teams? Basketball was a victim of terrorism when the clutching, grabbing, walk the ball up the court style of basketball was producing winning playoff teams. Now we have a situation where running basketball is producing winning playoff teams. In fact, it produced the biggest upset the league has ever seen. A team that was one of the most dominant regular season teams in league history was taken down by a team that with a few weeks left in the season appeared to have no chance at making the playoffs. When analyzing the series, and in the process winning three lunches off Eric Hasseltine with my pick, I said that there is no other person in the nation not involved with the Mavericks that you would want to write up your Mavs scouting report other than Don Nelson. That certainly played a massive role in the Warriors pulling it off, but the style of play is a major factor that could resonate throughout the NBA. I love it. The greatest athletes in the world being given the freedom to do what they do best... play basketball the way it should be played. That was an absolute beat down. Dirk is a chump. If you do not like watching the Warriors, you should never be allowed to watch basketball again. The NBA is changing, let's all hope the Grizzlies follow suit and join the future of the NBA. Slow down basketball becoming a thing of the past, big men are becoming less important, and the world's greatest athletes are allowed to look like the world's greatest athletes. God bless you Golden State Warriors. Now go knock off Utah or Houston and continue the assault on what the NBA had become.

This is where the power lies!

Hulkamania may be running wild on the 730 ESPN studios tomorrow afternoon. We will absolutely have some of the legends of wrestling in with us, and maybe even the biggest legend of all. This is where the power lies!!!!!!

Jeremy Schaap, Doug and Jackie Christie, and now today...

We have had quite a few guests this week, but today might top them all. As many of you know, I freely admit that I watch and enjoy American Idol. That said, American Idol Tonight Host (TV Guide channel) and Season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini will be on the show today. I just had to make it happen. Sorry, I simply could not pass up the opportunity to get one of the stars of "From Justin to Kelly" on the air. What a classic picture.

Larry Brown? Oh, please no.

I have seen enough boring basketball for the rest of my life. Larry Brown is a guy that you hand a ready-made team to and you let him take you over the top. In the column in the Commercial Appeal it was mentioned that there would be no one better to teach the young players. Really? You want Larry Brown coaching a young team? Larry Brown is a winner. That is nice. Mike Fratello wins games too. That was a lot of fun, right? The one thing that is promising is that I guarantee that he would hate Pau, and they would have no choice but to move him eventually. Unfortunately, I also think he could be a psyche killer for the young guys. Do you think that Brown will be willing to make investments in the young players in order for it to pay off later, or will he want to win immediately? You have to have patience will this group. This team is not ready to win big... and that is when you hire Larrry Brown. You hire that guy to take you over the top. Please Michael Heisley, don't spend a ton of money to get this guy. Hiring Larry Brown is the surest bet to have boring games. That is what I care about. Tell me the last time that you had fun watching a Larry Brown team play? It is absolute torture. I watched him coach in a playoff game that was won 69-65. It is burned in my head. I really hope this idea goes nowhere.

John Paxon is a genius I suppose

Just got done watching Heat v. Bulls. Pau for Deng straight-up would look like a bad deal for the Bulls now.

Paralysis by analysis (NFL Draft)

Paralysis by analysis is the motto of the draft every year it seems. I just watched an interview with Brady Quinn on ESPN where he said that the Raiders had been talking to his agent. No surprise there, considering you would expect them to talk to everyone that they would consider with the number 1 pick, and who knows, maybe the Raiders will be smart and take Quinn after all. What did surprise me is that after they get done interviewing Quinn, they bring on Chris Mortensen and he says that there is an issue with his accuracy. REALLY? The guy has been a 60% passer with 69 TDs and 14 INT's in the last two seasons. What are these guys looking at? A workout? Certainly not statistics or film. The guy threw 55 more TD's than he did interceptions in the last two seasons. Give me a break. Are you just trying to come up with some kind of problem? At least say he struggled against LSU or something that could at least be construed as legit.

Be happy if your team snags one of the following players...

Guys that I believe are undervalued from all of the mocks I have looked at include Georgia DE Quentin Moses (projected 3rd Rd guy, way too low for this guy). Had bad workouts evidently. So what. If a team stands him up in a 3-4 and lets him rush, he will be awesome.

Sidney Rice (WR from S Carolina) is projected as a 2nd Rd pick and I have always liked this guy. 6'4", fast, can catch in traffic and never had a good QB but was wildly productive in the SEC. He will be better than WR's taken before him.

The last guy I will mention is Sam Olajabutu. This guy was a dominant SEC player for Arkansas and I cannot believe that he is projected to be a 7th Rd. pick. He probably got injured too much but grab a tape and watch it. This guy is not real big, but he is a baller. Someone will get a huge steal that late and at the very least have one of the best special teams players in the league. Criminally underrated. Again, he dominated games in the SEC when he was not hurt.

For your Saturday viewing pleasure

These guys clowning on David Blaine is a riot, followed by the worst name ever, followed by Pau's greatness

David Blaine Street Magic Part 2 - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Love Connection: Worst Name Ever - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Brady Quinn should be the #1 pick

It is simply insane to me that any team in the NFL would consider taking JaMarcus Russell over Brady Quinn. Before the Sugar Bowl if you would have asked anyone with a brain, they would have said Quinn is the guy. Well, Russell and LSU (probably the team with the most future NFL players in the nation) beat Notre Dame (average talent, coached extremely well) and all of the sudden Russell is the second coming. But what is he the second coming of? Evidence revealed by the Football Outsiders suggests that drafting Russell over Quinn would be a big mistake (something I believed before I read this tremendous analysis). HERE IS THE ARTICLE we talked about on the show today.

Jerry West leaving July 1st

Jerry West gave what seemed a lot like a goodbye speech today at the Forum when he met with the media. I will have the full audio for you to hear today on the show. He talks about a lot of different subjects concerning himself and the Grizzlies.

Grizzlies Rundown

Michael Heisley met with the media last night before the game, and Jerry West will meet with the media this morning. I will have a rundown for the site and the show later today. Go Vote for the Show on the M Awards in the meantime if you have not.

I just had to do it

I opened up the sports section of the CA this morning and had to laugh when I read the article about Jerry West wanting Marc Iavaroni. Just a refresher... cvernon.com blog post date-- Nov 14th, 2006. I have to go rest my brain.

"Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility; I chose honest arrogance and have seen no occasion to change." --Frank Lloyd Wright

"Nobody likes a know-it-all." -- some idiot

Memphis Sport Magazine Awards

Go vote for the show in the M Awards. Click here for the ballot, we are on it. I have little faith in the voting process of things like this after the Flyer put me in a tie because of personal relationships of powerful people and business interests, while not allowing a positive article about the show to run in the "Best of" issue because of those relationships. Like Kanye, I will probably whine about that forever. Anyway, here is another outlet that is doing a group of awards, and I am being proactive with this one. A weekly appearance and a relationship with the other station does us no favors, so we have to rock the vote on this one. We will truly have to make it totally undeniable and it will take some stones to give us the award, even if we have the most votes. If you dig the show, go vote for it. Thank you as always for listening to the show, you guys make it happen. If just a small percentage of the people that visit this site everyday vote, it will be undeniable.

Here we go... By the way, I love you Memphis Sport magazine and really respect what you are doing. I would say that you produce the best sports magazine that has ever come out in Memphis, and possibly in the world. I apologize in advance if this works and we put you in a weird spot.

Some things from the Wednesday Show

Here is the article we discussed that was written by Jason Whitlock concerning the Don Imus controversy. Imus isn't the real bad guy

Here is the article we referenced that described the characters you will find at your local gym
Surviving the Gym: A Beginner's Guide

Robert, our insane e-mailer, came on the air and argued that Pac Man Jones is being suspended because he is a black man, not because he is a criminal. Callers called in and challenged Robert on his crazy logic. Here is the segment... ROBERT ON PAC-MAN

In case you missed it...

Yesterday we had Pat Summitt, Bruce Pearl, Phil Fulmer, and Mike Hamilton all on the show live at the Hilton (Big Orange Caravan). All of them were incredibly gracious with their time. They all have different personalities, but are all equally personable and humble. I would argue that as a group of three, that UT would have the 3 most high profile coaches in the nation as a group (obviously Summitt would be the reason). It was nice to catch up with all of them and if you missed it, or want to hear it back, here is the audio...

Pat Summitt on the 7th National Championship, how bball has changed, and what she is like off the court

Bruce Pearl on the season , the Ohio State game, Dane Bradshaw, and the Oden/ Durant debate

Phil Fulmer on the off-season, expectations at UT, and Peyton winning the Super Bowl

Today on the show...

I will be broadcasting live at the Hilton for the Big Orange Caravan. Today we are scheduled to have Phil Fulmer, Bruce Pearl, Pat Summit (fresh off 7th national championship), A.D. Mike Hamilton and others on the show. If you are going to be at the caravan, come by and say hello.

Good hire by Arkansas, Ingram Hill Audio, and Alanis Morissette is hysterical

I really like the hire of John Pelphrey at Arkansas. Lucky for them, Dana Altman bailed. Pelphrey is a pressing, up-tempo style coach (which I am admittedly totally biased towards because they are saving bball from the egomanical, get credit for everything, slow down basketball terrorists dressed as coaches). In addition to that, he has recruited at the highest level (which was a major reason that I panned the Altman hire). I think this is a really good hire. In terms of guys that don't have the big name, I like the Pelphrey as the best fit for the Hogs. Now watch him have a press conference and leave after he hears Broyles call the hogs.

INGRAM HILL was in studio last week and played what will be their first single off of the new record that comes out July 24th. The song is called Four Letter Word. Also, they did in fact write a song for the show (for the bandwagon segment no less). HERE IS THE AUDIO OF THE 2 SONGS.

Lastly... I am pretty sure that I am late on this one, but Alanis Morissette slayed me with this video and cover of My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas. The girl has a great sense of humor.

Michael Beasley on the show today

Beasley was the McDonalds Game MVP and is a part of Team USA for the Hoops Summit this weekend. More importantly than that, he is in a bit of a fix. He signed to play with Bob Huggins and now Huggins is going to Morgantown. K State seems to be set on not granting Beasley a release from his commitment. Today, Beasley is on the show and we will talk to him about the Hoops Summit and how he sees this all playing out.

This is Beasley in action...

Derrick Rose and Ingram Hill in studio on Thursday

Celebrated Tiger recruit Derrick Rose will be in studio for the show. The Nike Hoops Summit is on Saturday at the Forum and Rose will be on Thursday and UCLA recruit Kevin Love will be on the show on Friday.
Rock superstars Ingram Hill are playing the first Peabody rooftop party of the year on Thurs night and they will be in studio to play some songs. Also, they will tell us about the upcoming album release and how they will become extremely famous and never talk to us again. They tell me they have a song written for the show... we will see.
I leave you with Derrick Rose, he is much better than Marc Gasol...

Florida wins the National Championship and Noah makes sense

It really looks to me like Donavan (or Dunnavan as Billy Packer calls him) is trying to move the mic away from Noah when he starts talkin crazy.

Calipari talking to Ark, seriously?

I am on record as saying that Arkansas is a great job to take over at this point, but Cal in Arkansas is hysterical to me. If people thought Cal in Memphis was a bit unnatural, imagine Cal in Fayetteville. I would never miss a coaches show, I promise you that. He is gonna leave Memphis at some point, lets just hope its a place as funny as Ark. I cannot think of anything more polar opposite, and it would be great theatre.

I had no idea that Pau was so tough

It was unintentional, but check out this elbow he caught Kobe with last night. I wonder if he will get suspended like Bryant has for actions like these.

Bob Dylan wrote every popular song, Karaoke Contest tonight at Coaches

These guys put together a great mockumentary about the Dylan influence on music. I watch all of those music shows on the VH1 channels, and this is perfect. Enjoy. Thanks to Kevin for the heads up. Be careful if you are gonna watch this at work.



Come and hang out with Me, Gary, Roser, and other listeners tonight at COACHES SPORTS BAR for our 730 Idol contest. Huge prizes for the winner, $100, a Gibson guitar, singing the anthem at a Grizzly game, etc. 6164 Hacks Cross, where Hacks Cross meets Goodman Rd. Please get out there.

Dave Winfield on the show today

HOF baseball player Dave Winfield will join us on the show today at 3:20. When I was growing up in New York, the Mets were the team to root for. It is strange to think about it now, considering how the Mets are almost second class citizens now in New York. The Mets had almost all of the beloved players. Lenny Dykstra, Hernandez, Strawberry, Gooden, etc. The Yankees had Mattingly and Winfield, and they never won a thing. Dave Winfield is one of the best all-around athletes in the history of sports. The guy was drafted by four different leagues. In fact, the only guy ever to be drafted by four leagues. The Vikings drafted him and he didn't even play college football. Anyway, I am glad to have him on the show today. Check it out.

Also, I need to mention that we are having our huge karaoke contest at Coaches Sports Bar at Goodman Rd and Hacks Cross tomorrow night. Please get out there if you can. Gary Parrish and I will be two of the judges for the contest. The winner will win $100, a new Gibson guitar, and a chance to sing the anthem at a Grizz game in a few weeks. GET TO COACHES. Tomorrow night @ 6:30 (after the show). Tomorrow night. Hacks Cross and Goodman Rd. Win the 730 ESPN Karaoke Idol.

Tigers in the Final Four? That is my bet.

Memphis was incredible against Texas A&M. They had clutch plays, did a great job on A.C. Law, and played an overall great game. This is second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight for the Tigers. They proved not only that they can compete with top level competition, they can beat top level competition. I like the match up with Ohio State. Memphis is going to the Final Four. This team has already exceeded expectations, now everything is lining up perfectly. I thought A&M was a worse match up for Memphis than Ohio State would be, and they got past them.

Ohio State has played two down to the wire games in the last 2 rounds now. You have to give them credit for gutting those out, but it also makes them look vulnerable.

Quick analyseez on Memphis vs. Ohio State. Against Ohio State, people always want to bring up Greg Oden. He is not going to kill you on offense. He has not killed anyone. Lewis and Conley Jr. can, but I like what Memphis can throw at those guys defensively. You have to do a better job than Tennessee did of keeping Conley out of the lane. You have to guard Lewis 30 feet away from the basket. I think Memphis is equipped to do these things. Drive the ball into Oden like Xavier and Tennessee have and get him in trouble. Offensively, Ohio State has been better with Oden not in the game. Defensively, you want him out of the game esp. when so much of the Tiger offense is based on penetration. I like the match up against Ohio State and think Memphis will be in the Final Four. Unreal. I will be honest and tell you that I never thought I would write the words "Memphis will be in the Final Four" this year. Next year, yes. But this team just may screw around and get to Atlanta.

I picked Tennessee to beat Ohio State and felt really good about the pick... and then they played the second half. I think I can count on my hand the number of stops that the Vols got in the second half. No stops leads to no running. It killed them and their offense. They simply got no stops and therefore could not get in transition, could not score, and then could not set up a press. Memphis can get stops. You have to give it up to Ohio State. That was a serious comeback. How do you not get the ball to Lofton with the game on the line? Hey I have an idea... how about you drive it into Oden. Really? Is that what he did?

If you have thoughts... leave them in the comments section.

p.s. Kobe threw 60 on the Grizz.

Why Memphis fans should root against Tennessee

Yesterday on the show we goofed on the idea of Memphis fans singing Rocky Top in San Antonio. John Calipari said that Memphis fans should root for UT, and vice versa. He said that it is a "state thing." Cal has spent 7 years jabbing at SEC fans and SEC fans have spent 7 years hating Cal, so now lets have everyone get in a circle, hold hands, and sing Kumbaya. Ha! Beyond the idea of how hard it would be for a Tiger fan to root for UT, there is a better reason not to root for Tennessee if you are a Memphis fan.... You want to go to the Final Four.

I know what happens when Tennessee matches up with Memphis. Memphis loses. I saw how that story plays out. Before you say it, let me go through a few things about that game. I know Cooper and Mack were not contributors, I know Dorsey got a tech, I know that Lofton went crazy (he does that a lot if you have not noticed), and I know that the game was in Knoxville. There, have we gotten all of the excuses out of the way?

The fact of the matter is that Tennessee is a bad match-up for Memphis. It would be easier to be objective as a fan if UT was in a different jersey, and I understand that. Now, lets get to the analysis.

Tennessee is a bad match-up because of their tireless press. Remember how UAB was always the toughest match up for Memphis under Mike Anderson? Think UAB, only with much more talent. They do not get tired and fatigued like the normal team. UT can expose a few of the Tiger weaknesses (probably the only Tiger weaknesses). Those weaknesses include having a lack of really good ball-handlers, making good decisions in a transition game, and the ability to stop the dribble-drive.

Memphis likes to play fast. Tennessee likes to play fast. Tennessee is better at it.

Ohio State will walk the ball up the court and the game turns into a battle. Memphis can play like that. Memphis will have an advantage when the tempo speeds up against Ohio State, they will not against Tennessee. Memphis can drive the ball into Oden 500 times and get him in foul trouble. The advantage for Memphis many times is there style of play and their ability to tire their opposition out. That helps them against a team like Ohio St., it does not against UT.

Its all about how you match-up. The Tigers match-up better against Ohio State.

If Memphis fans want the Tigers to go to the Final Four, they better root for Ohio State. The Tigers could beat Ohio State, but they cannot beat Tennessee.

What I Got... (COME TO GILL'S ON HIGHLAND TODAY FROM 3-6)

I am not gonna go through the whole bracket, but this is what I have from the Sweet 16 down.

Sweet 16 Teams-- Florida, Maryland, ND, G Tech, Kansas, S. Illinois, Duke, UCLA, UNC, Tex, Vandy, GTown, Xavier, Tenn, Tex A&M, Memphis.

Elite 8-- Florida, ND, Kansas, Duke, UNC, GTown, Tenn, Tex A&M

Final 4-- Florida, Kansas, Georgtown, Tex A&M

Finals-- Kansas over Texas A&M

My bracket will be ripped up by tonight I am sure.

TODAY I AM AT GILL'S ON HIGHLAND FROM 3-6 PM. TOMORROW I WILL BE BROADCASTING FROM PAT OBRIENS IN THE FRENCH QUARTER LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS. IF YOU ARE IN NOLA, COME BY FROM 4-6.

How flattering (CV Show Fan Network?)

One of our listeners, Ryan, has put together a website for fans of the show. It looks pretty cool considering it is about me. The fact that there is a message board is cool because, as many of you know, that is something I lost when I changed over from a website to a blog. You can meet other people that dig the show at chrisvernon.ning.com/. Go check it out and sign up if you like. And a big thanks to Ryan for the flattering gesture. If 5 people admit they listen I will be thrilled (and Ryan will know he is not the only one that listens, shhhhhh). Anyway, you might meet some cool people of like-mind, and thanks.

I am out for Monday, Eric Hasseltine (voice of Grizz) will fill in. Call in and send him some emails and make it easier on him than you do me.

Great Parody of New Nike Ad Campaign

R.C. Johnson on the show (3-5-07)

Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson was on the show today. R.C. was on for quite a long time and answered every question that we threw at him. There was good information about football scheduling, the CUSA tournament, the possibility of Memphis moving to a different conference, etc. A good portion of the questions were about the stadium issue (and Harold Byrd's stance on the issue). I am confident that there will be a lot of different opinions about R.C.'s stance. Gary and I attempted to ask the questions that people would want answered and hopefully we did. Here is the full interview...

(R.C. Johnson on The Chris Vernon Show 3-5-07)

Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson Today @ 5

R.C. Johnson is scheduled to be on with Gary Parrish and me at 5pm today. RC will bust Gary up for his rankings and where he has the Tigers. We will also talk about the CUSA tournament, the football schedule, and the highly controversial stadium issue. Should be interesting. If you have questions that you would like to hear RC asked... email me at verno@730espn.com.

In other news... The most embarrassing dunk contest attempt of all time. European dunk contests are awesome. I have always said that someone should dunk on someone in a dunk contest, but not a girl. It is ridiculous how funny/ uncomfortable this is. This dude is not even close...

What a day, what a day

Craig Brewer (Director of Hustle and Flow) joined us in studio for over an hour on the day of the nationwide release of his new movie Black Snake Moan. We talked about the movie itself, the movie business, Hustle and Flow, and then got into a conversation of movies to rent. This guy could not have been more cool or down to earth. This was one of the greatest thrills for me and if you did not catch it, I think you will dig it. Its so long, we had to break it up. I got my tickets online to go see the movie tonight. Go see the movie and support a Memphis filmmaker and great guy.

Here is the interview

In Studio with Craig Brewer Part 1

In Studio with Craig Brewer Part 2

MEMPHIS DIRECTOR CRAIG BREWER IN STUDIO TODAY

Director Craig Brewer, whose new film Black Snake Moan opens in theatres nationwide today, will be joining us in studio at 3 pm. I loved Hustle and Flow and cannot wait to go see this movie this weekend. I must be livin right for something like this to work out. Here is the trailer if you have not seen it yet.

The best moment of the college basketball season

I would take Kevin Durant #1 if for only one reason. The best moment of the college basketball season happened during this game on Wed. night. The game is in the balance and Texas A&M is locking down Texas until the Longhorns find their big white guy (Connor Atchley) at the free-throw line for an open shot, which he shoots and he air-balls. After the play, they show Durant walk over to him and slap him upside the head as if to say "you big white dummy, give me the ball." A real slap to the back of the dudes head. Atchley was taken out of the game, and as I am on the phone with Gary, we both start dying. I don't know if I have ever seen a player slapped upside the head for a dumb shot by a teammate. Please let Durant end up in Memphis so he can slap a certain someone upside the head. It was priceless.

On another note, Acie Law IV (and I love that he is the IV, its regal) is ridiculous. Who could be more clutch than that guy was?

Watch out for that Tennesee team (and what happened to Joakim Noah?)

As you know, I have been on this Tennessee team all season. Outside of the inexplicable loss at South Carolina, when they have Lofton healthy, they are a team to beat. Before you jump on their SEC road record, realize that outside of the S. Carolina game, they haven't lost to a bad team (if you take into consideration the Lofton injury, which in my opinion kept them from winning @ Ole Miss and @ Auburn). Style, Style, Style. I suppose that the reason that most teams do not play the organized chaos style is that coaches have to coach less in a game. Basketball on all levels is plagued with over-coaching. Playing the style that the Vols play provides you with a distinct advantage over other teams when you get into tournament play. Much like a team like West Virginia, you simply don't play against anyone like that the rest of the year. Last night, if they do not take the foot off the gas, they would have beaten Florida by 25. Tennessee is much more difficult to prepare for, especially in a short prep period. Tennessee will make a run in the tournament. They will be in the sweet 16 (at minimum) in my bracket. I would imagine that they will probably be a 6 or 7, dependent on what they do in the SEC tourney, and shock someone in the second round. Just you watch. Don't sleep on that team this year. I am trying to help you here.

On another note, what happened to Joakim Noah? He always struck me as a mentally tough player that has that special something. The guy wanted the ball, he tried to dunk on everyones head, and played with great intelligence. Then I saw Dane Bradshaw pushing the guy around last night and found myself totally confused. What happened to this guy? In the last few weeks he has looked like a guy you would not want to touch in the draft. I guess his coach was right, Horford is the guy to take.

Update: For more on this and a response, click on comments. Feel free to comment and give your opinion.

Dick Vitale has got some 'splainin to do (Pinched)

Vitale was on a Knoxville radio station on Monday morning and it could probably not have turned out worse for ole Dick. The hosts go to Vitale and he has his phone down on the table or something and does not realize that he is on the air. What transpires is legendary radio. Vitale is telling someone that Billy Donovan told him in confidence that NBA scouts are making a mistake if they take Horford over Noah, and that Noah can't shoot. I think the exact quote is that Donovan said "no way he would take Noah over Horford." The hosts asking him about who he likes between Horford and Noah later when he realizes he is on is great too. Later, Vitale calls back in after he is told that what he said was on the air, and has to come up with some kind of excuse, which is equally funny. This will soon be all over the internet. Big ups to Gary Parrish for the heads up. He has it on his sportsline blog.

Here is the link to the story and the Audio.

Kentucky loses to Vandy, Katman2000 reacts (Reality TV at its finest)

I love Katman 2000. It is one thing to get on a message board or call into a talk show and bag on your team or your coach. It is taken to another level when you put it on video. Maybe you have seen this guy before, but until listener and Vandy student William sent it my way, I had not. This is an older Kentucky fan (Katman 2000)with his thoughts after the Wildcats lost to Vandy on Sunday. I will warn you that he does use profanity. I could not stop watching this and laughing along. I think what I love the most is that this is reality TV at its finest. The name he refers to Tubby Smith as, his thoughts on Senior night coming up, and the song at the end are all classic. This is my new favorite TV Show, I have to go back and watch the previous episodes. Enjoy.

Update: Katman2000 taken off of youtube. HERE IS THE NEW LINK

You cannot be serious. It's been one of those weeks.

I stayed up last night writing my Grizzlies Opus. I woke up this morning and it is gone. Completely gone. I left it pulled up on blogger, went to bed, and then when I get up this morning its gone. No recovery options, nothing. No internet explorer windows even open. I think I am gonna throw up. I will re-write it this weekend and have it up for Monday. If I ever off myself, it will be a reaction to a computer.

Maybe a few of you came to read the masterpiece, and I apologize.

For this morning, I will comment on something else on my mind. Yesterday I talked about how all I have heard for the past 3 years is "if you don't think Gasol is worth a max-deal, put him on the market and there will be 29 other teams that would love to take it on." Chris Herrington took exception to me saying that not being able to deal Gasol speaks to what other teams think about him. He says (and then others repeat on their own shows) that stars are not traded for value. Is it an indictment of Allen Iverson or Vince Carter, etc? Good point... and worth examination.

First things first... we know what was declined (from reports) for Gasol. A possible Boston deal and a possible Chicago deal were pretty well documented. So yes, if those teams were not willing to lose players like Al Jefferson or Luol Deng, along with some cap relief and a pick, I think that speaks to what Gasol is worth to another team. So its a little different with this situation because we knew of some of the possible deals, and that the other teams were the ones that said no... not the Grizzlies (according to Rick Bucher report). If Gasol is so great, why would teams not be willing to do these deals? Last year I heard "the columnist" (he won't acknowledge me and the numerous things he hears on my show, so I will not acknowledge him.. hahaha) say that there were not 10 guys in the league he would trade for Pau. So I will tell you that I admittedly probably take the other side in an exaggerated fashion to combat this type of nonsense from the Pau fan club.

I decided that I was going to investigate what good players were traded for (instead of just accepting the blanket statement that it is hard to get value). I at least wanted to find out. The exact players brought up were Carter and Iverson and was it an indictment of them that teams did not give "equal value" for them? It needs to be mentioned that both Carter and Iverson demanded trades. Demanded. The teams had to deal them (you can say that they did not, but come on). Those teams were put in a bad spot by these players and the league knew the deal with these guys, so you get what you can. There is a difference to me. But who cares, lets just look at good players that were traded and what they were traded for. Let's see if you can get value for a "star".

Vince Carter was traded for Alonzo Mourning (cap), Aaron Williams, and 2 first rd picks. (Cap relief and draft picks for the future)

Allen Iverson was traded for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and 2 first rd picks.

Elton Brand was traded for Brian Skinner and the draft rights to Tyson Chandler.

Shaquille ONeal was traded for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a 1st Rd pick. (Geez, looks better now that Butler is awesome)

Joe Johnson was traded for Boris Diaw and 2 first Rd picks (yikes).

Ray Allen was traded with Flip Murray, Kevin Olie, and conditional pick, for Gary Payton (expiring deal) and Desmond Mason

Tracy McGrady was traded with Tyrone Lue and Juwan Howard for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato

Shareef Abdur Rahim was traded for the rights to Pau Gasol, Brevin Knight, and Lorenzen Wright.

Peja Stojakivic (requested trade) was traded for Ron Artest.

Eddie Curry was traded with contract of Antonio Davis for Tim Thomas, Mike Sweetney, 2 first rd picks, and two second round picks.

Richard Hamilton was traded with Hubert Davis and Bobby Simmons for Jerry Stackhouse, Brian Cardinal (haaha), and Ratko Varda (who?)

Chris Webber was traded to Sixers with Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley for Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson, and Brian Skinner (how many deals has this guy been in, geez)

Those are some of the trades where really good/ great players have been traded. I would not say that most of these are ridiculous (total rip-offs), but that is me. After looking at these trades, I don't think you can say that you cannot get something good in return for an elite player. Equal value? Maybe not. But I don't think the Grizzlies could even get close to some of these deals for Gasol. You tell me. Even times where a guy absolutely had to be moved, teams made some sense in getting what they got in terms of gettin cap relief and multiple picks.

If you have taken the time to read this, I would love to hear your thoughts on whether it is an indictment of Gasol because the Grizzlies could not get close to fair value (unless you are from Spain , and then I don't give a damn what you think). You look at Iverson and Carter (which were the two brought up), and even the Joe Johnson deal, and you realize that even though the fantastic player was traded, the team that traded them netted themselves at least 2 first rd picks each (with either cap relief or a player).

I would have done some of the deals above and some of them I would not have done (but they, in my opinion, are not overwhelming stupid deals).

"29 teams would love to have Gasol." Well, not enough to make a rational deal for him. I think we learned that while the deals listed here were not all good deals, it is not always ridiculous to think you can get something decent in return. It is not unrealistic to think you can get some good pieces, picks, and cap relief for a "star" player. The fact that most offered deals for Gasol were categorized as "ridiculous" tells me something. Again, if he is so great, why could the team not get close to value? Are stars always traded for great value... no, but it happens. My opinion is that Pau is overvalued by the Pau-lovers, possibly overvalued by the team, but not by the "29 teams that would love to have Gasol." They don't love the idea enough to give anything reasonable to get him. Not enough to lose Luol Deng or Al Jefferson. If you cannot get something even reasonable for Pau, is it an indictment of him and his value? My mind has not changed Pau fan club.

Check Mate.

Love,

Chris Vernon

The State of the Grizzlies

After the deadline, and we know who is still on the Grizzlies, I will have a complete analysis of the team and the future. This will most likely be the longest post ever on the site. My plan is to have it up by tomorrow morning. I'll play GM and build the Grizzlies... including the draft (who to take with each pick possible and analyze some of the players coming out), management and coaches, and the entire roster. Thank you for listening to the show and coming to the site. Suggestions for the column are welcome... email me at verno@730espn.com.

New Tigers Def Coordinator (CVERNON.COM EXCLUSIVE)

There is a press conference at the University of Memphis on Thursday where they will announce who Tommy West has hired to be the new defensive coordinator. CVERNON.COM has learned that the man that will be introduced is Rick Kravitz, who was at NC State as the safties and special teams coach under Chuck Amato.

Kravitz is well-respected and seemingly has ties in the important state of Florida (formerly at USF), but he is not young (which does not take away from the hire at all, just not what we thought was going to happen).

Rick Kravitz will be the new defensive coordinator at Memphis. Announcement tomorrow.

cvernon.com... where news breaks first every once in a while.

Some recent un-posted audio from the show

Dirk Goldschapp was in Las Vegas for the All-Star Game and got the inside scoop as always

Song released on the behalf of Pau Gasol (because we are fair and balanced) ... Boo Me

The origin of Taco Meat

The man that has dominated the haters, and turned it into an art form, joined us in studio on Friday. Taco Meat is our official Life Analyst on the show. This is a man with a wisdom and a wealth of life experiences that we can all learn from. In what was possibly my favorite show moment ever, we learn where this mysterious man's name came from. Click on the link...

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME... TACO MEAT

Gary Parrish, internet TV Star

Gary is doing a Top Tourney Moments bit for sportsline.com. Most serious I have ever known him to be. Watch your back Seth Davis. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Vegas is sleeping on Mike Miller, etc.

The 3 pt contest is this weekend and Vegas is sleeping on our boy Mike Miller. He is one of the real longshots to win the contest (+550). The only one less likely (according to Vegas) to win the contest is Jason Terry. PROP OF THE YEAR! hahahaha. I love Miller's chances to win this thing. Here are the odds for everything on all-star weekend. Arenas would be my choice to win without homerism, but I am rooting for a Grizzly to win something this year.

Scottie Pippen says he wants to come back and jump on board with a contender. He seems like a Spur to me, but I really could care less. He needs to sign with an athletic team where team speed is not the problem (remember how slow Dallas made the Spurs look last year). The Spurs don't need him, but it seems like the kind of guy they would sign if they think he could play. Maybe Philly J would grab him in LA? I guess being a horrific analyst did not work out for Pippen.

I don't agree with Tim Hardaway that the majority of players agree with him. I don't think the majority of players hate gay people, but I do think the majority of players would be very uncomfortable with a gay player on their team.

Dick Bavetta is going to demoralize Charles Barkley when they race on Sat. night.

Memphis playing @ Gonzaga is the most excited I have been to watch a game since Duke/ Carolina. I love the guard Pargo (reminds me of Kyle Lowry) from Gonzaga and think he could be a big problem with dribble drive and grabbing boards. Pargo is the guy to watch for Gonzaga. The funniest thing I hear is that "they are a wounded animal, so watch out." With Heytvelt they are pretty good, without him, not so much. Memphis should win this game if they are a top 10 team. They need this game. I think it could be a 2 seed swing dependent on the outcome.

Have a good weekend.

Elite XC Event @ DeSoto Civic Center (A Visual History)

The event Saturday night was incredible. The Godfather Kelly Armstrong, 730 ESPN, and the boys from KDX put together a party that included free food and drinks for everyone, a suite where many of the listeners were able to come and hang out, and a night that ended with hanging out with freaking Bill Goldberg. Thank you to all of you that came out. That was serious. Jimmy Kimmell and Dax Sheppard from Punk'd were at the event. Here is the visual history of the night. Don't miss the next one we throw.

Roser, Gary, and listeners Hank and Stephanie at the pre-party all stick their necks out to make Gary feel better about his lack of one...

Listeners were out in full force at the pre-party. Rockin the Big Time Cash necklace was a must...

King of the C block, Hillbilly J, is totally out of his league with this one, but he would have stopped you...

Roser will not remember this picture being taken, bet...

These girls really love sportline.com and were thrilled to meet Gary Parrish...

Gina Carano was one of the fighters and she is a killer. Never cheat on her. Her hand looked like it has been broken 1000 times. She loves the Chris Vernon Show...

Goldberg came to the post party to hang out, not as huge as I imagined...

These are just some of the pictures from the night that was. Again, thank you to all of you that came out to the event (way too many for me to ever remember and name). I hope you had a great time. Keep a look out for when we are going to do this again. Thanks for listening to the show. If you have pics, send them to me. verno@730espn.com

DeSoto Civic Center ELITE XC Event

The response to acquire tickets for the event Saturday night was the greatest I have seen for anything I have given away since I have been in Memphis. Calls, emails, and personal phone calls for the last 3 weeks have been totally overwhelming. It has continued into tonight. If you have not gotten tickets yet, you still can. DeSoto Civic Center @ 5 oclock is when the party jumps off-- get there early if you can. We will have music, free food, free drinks (kegs), ESPN girls, more girls, and a lot of the people you hear on the show regularly will be in attendance. You have to be there or you will regret it forever. I will take pictures so it can be rubbed in later. Showtime is coming to the party and looking for good looking people to sit up front for the cameras. Get dressed up and maybe you can score some tix for free. Otherwise, buy some. My whole crew will be in one of the suites, come find me and I will let you know so any of you can stop by. This is gonna be wild. I cannot wait to watch guys punch each other in the face. DeSoto Civic Center - Starts at 5-- do it, do it.

The Best Recruiting Analyst in the Biz (Tim Clemming)

Tim Clemming from Arch Rival Magazine joined us on signing day and took calls from the listeners. His legitimacy was called into question. HERE IS THE SEGMENT.

What it is

My final Super Bowl thoughts are as follows...

The Prince halftime show was the most overrated performance in the history of performances. The gushing over this performance that has followed is not in direct proportion to how good it was. It was fine, it was hardly great. An honest analyseez of the performance is that he sang a ton of covers (including a lame Proud Mary, butchering All Along the Watchtower and Best of You by Foo Fighters), a song that is so authentically 80's (Let's Go Crazy), and then Purple Rain was great (because it was raining). Not to mention, a sheer doo-rag that is tied in the front crosses the line from rockin to fruity. Totally ridiculous and unacceptable apparel. Even for Prince.

Grossman lost the game for the Bears. 22-17, 12 min, he throws a pick-6 to a guy I still have never heard of (Kelvin Hayden). There is a premium now in the NFL on QB's that will not get you beat, and he got them beat.

Manning is now in the conversation of greatest ever. That is what a ring does.

The commercials were awful. 2.7 million for those?

Mash is the most overrated TV show of all-time. It's not funny. I will not debate this. It does not hold up.

Cirque de Soliel (or whatever, I tried) is horrid. I have come to the conclusion that it can only serve as a deal closer. That is the only reason ever to endure that bologna.

On to Pau...

So there has been stuff going on for two years that you do not want to talk about? Then shut up. Don't even bring up the behind the scenes crap to support your feelings if you are not willing to tell us. He is trying to flip the script on the Grizzlies and it will not work. This mealy-mouthed, veiled attempt to explain his feelings was laughable at best.

Durant...

I am secretly wishing the Grizzlies get the second pick and they get Durant. He will be infinitely more fun to watch for the next 10 years than Oden will be. Perimeter players are more fun by nature, and he is a bonafide superstar.

Holler.

My new Spanish Friends (How ya like me now Spain?)

Ramon Fuentes and his crew from Tele Cinco (Channel 5) Madrid came in today before the show. They could not have been nicer, even though I thought they may have been coming to kill me. Ramon told me he interviewed Pau and Pau told him that his time in Memphis was over and he would be moving to a different team. Overall, the language barrier was tough, but they were great. Spanish reporters are nicer than Spanish blog commenters. I was given a Twizzler as a peace offering, is that a Spanish thing? If so, we should start doing that in America also.

Nantzism contest today! Get them ready to go.

One of our favorite traditions on the show. You can call or email me the line that Jim Nantz will use at the end of the Super Bowl. Like... "We shall be Freeney, Indy wins SB XLI" If you nail it, you will win a huge prize pack.
Will Leitch is the editor of deadspin.com and he will be on the show today.

Jimmy Denunzio 2-1-07 (Season Ending Performance)

Possibly the most incredible handicapping performance of this generation. Virtuoso. Please email this to anyone you know that may wager on the Super Bowl or any of the props, it could really be useful. Without further ado, here is the link
The World's Greatest Handicapper, Jimmy Denunzio.

Jerry West house on the market

a source within the real estate industry has let me know that Jerry West is selling his Southwind home. Make of it what you will. Herrington has it broken down with pics-- click on his link on the right.

Gary Parrish watches game film with Ben Howland

Here is the Column. It think our boy Gary is getting a little too famous for my taste. Next thing we know, Dianna Ross is gonna stop a concert and make him take a bow. Some of you understand. Note to Spain: This has nothing to do with Pau or the Grizzlies.