NFL Division (Realignment & Changes)

NFL Divisions; Courtesy of NFLpro.net

Ever think about the NFL and it's divisions. I know my write ups are normally dealing with Sports Business but I also have other things in mind that can be outside the box. This is definitely one thing that could be outside the box but related in some way to the understanding of financial relationships between teams. Leagues normally find ways to create opportunities for teams to have battled rivalries because it creates more avenues for financial benefits for that league. So... in that regard, the league seems to be missing a few points with the divisions being so awkwardly positioned that they could add more money if they were aligned differently.

Think about it, the league already has a large fan base and I know that tradition is huge but there's always room to remodel and grow. There's no telling how much longer Roger Goodell will be at the front of the league because of certain situations lately, but he definitely could make a power move for teams to move around. The NFC to me is a little bit better shape than the AFC because they have more teams aligned to work out than they do. The moves that need to be made could save on travel time and opportunity for future growth with closer fan base. Fans would be able to travel closer and make more games. Fans would purchase more items and look forward to something new.

Division Re-alignment (without switching teams out conferences):

AFC East:  Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC North: Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins
AFC West: Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs

NFC East:  Philadelphia Eagles, NY Giants, Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers
NFC North: Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Bucs, Dallas Cowboys
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, San Fran 49ers, Arizona Cardinals

---Just throwing in a BONUS because of how bad the Pro Bowl is now...How about the Pro Bowl be the case point on which team gets home field advantage for the Super Bowl. So, depending on who wins the Pro Bowl will get home field advantage (if wanted) or a field that is close to them that permits better climate (such as a dome or acceptable climate).---

Philly (Metro) Draft Day (My Top NBA Prospects 2014-15)

Looking forward the college basketball season and finding out who's who and what's what. There are definitely some top prospects from Philly that will have the opportunity to raise their stock in the opportunity to get drafted or become NBA players. It's not everyday that everybody gets the opportunity to make a case for themselves but I have a few names that will definitely make their cases.

Jerrell Wright (LaSalle University)

In the Local area at the top of my list is Jerrell Wright (LaSalle-PF-6'8")... Checking out Wright has been fantastic because for the last 3 years, he has turned LaSalle University into a place to watch basketball. Who could ever forget the trip to the Sweet 16 and making his statement in the tournament having the highest field goal % in college basketball history with any play having more than 3 games, shooting well over 80%. He not only set a record but also scored 21 points going 6-6 from the field and 9-10 against Kansas State in the second round of the tourney. Past and Present success has everything to do with being an NBA player and he has shown that he can definitely make his statement. He has been honored on different all conference teams and also nominated this season as high prospect for player of the year in the A10. He's ranked is ranked 53 in his class on the Draftboard for NBA Draft Express and I expect his time on the floor which has definitely taken away from his numbers will show a huge improvement. I expect anywhere from 32-36 minutes a game where he'll get the opportunity to shoot for a double double season.

This summer DJ Newbill (Penn State-G-6'4") has been probably the most busiest for Philly prospects. Coming from high school, his story was a little different than many, but he's made the best from his opportunities. Newbill was blessed with the opportunity to attend the skills camps this summer for Nike which features some of the top high school and college prospects in the country. Newbill's resume as been outstanding starting with Southern Miss, where he was all freshmen conference before transferring to Penn State. At Penn State, he came in and made an immediate impact in the Big 10 averaging 16.3 ppg at 36 mpg. Last season, he was able to increase the scoring production with 17.9 ppg and less minutes. He showed the ability to be efficient and come up big when needed. He's an exciting tool that shows potential with his ability to see the floor and make the team so much better. With a trip to the tournament this year, he could definitely see his stock go from where it is, to a definite...We already know the numbers are there.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona-6'7"-SF) attended the LeBron skills camp this summer under Nike and was able to show off his ability to play anywhere on the floor. He's known to have the engine that everybody loves. He's at the top of the board for most people but I still like he has things he's definitely going to prove. He definitely has leadership qualities and he will be a huge contribution for whatever everybody is looking for. He was all freshmen conference for the PAC12 but that didn't take away from the potential that if he would have played more that he could have been more productive. He averaged 9.1 ppg last season in 25.3 mpg. He shot 49% from the field and grabbed 5.7 rpg. He's probably one of the most tough nose players that has ever been seen in the Philly area and there's no telling what he will do this year. He ranked as one of the top shot blockers and it showed knowing that he's a great defender and can lock any player in the country. He'll start all season this year and I wouldn't be surprised if he was the POY this year for his conference and an All American.

Markus Kennedy (SMU-PF-6'9") is a forward that makes it look easy to be his teammate. He focuses on the little things that big tend to miss on and marks his territory. Kennedy is ranked 42 amongst the Juniors coming back to play this year. His frame has really changed since his freshmen year when he was at Villanova and has shown his game for production. He ranked 5th in his conference in field goal % last season. Kennedy stretches the floor and make the game look easy for a big because of his athletic versatility. He can shoot the ball deep as well as post any player up and use smooth moves to the basket. He averaged 12.9 ppg and over 7 rpg. He also was able to get steals, assist and blocks. He's a strong case for AAC POY if he can find the ability to win consistently. I didn't mention the fact his coach is non other than the great Larry Brown and his development coach is George Lynch. He'll definitely build on the fact he's known as one of the greatest defensive big men in the country.

Amile Jefferson (Duke-PF-6'9") is in a really good place at Duke University. Coach K has been taking care of this player and it seems like he knows all the things to do in order to get the job done on the floor. I'm definitely excited to see what kind of player he will be this season. He's ranked 40th for the juniors and his stock could definitely raise up this season with some of the great talent to support him. He never seems to the be focus of the team but he does everything right. Last season was huge for him starting for the Blue Devils. He averaged 6.5 ppg in only 22 mpg but shot 64%. He had some outstanding games and rebounding and everybody knows, if you play for Coach K, the opportunity to play in the NBA will definitely be there.

Honorable Mention:
Savon Goodman (ASU-SF-6'7")
Jabril Trawick (Georgetown-SG-6'5")
Rysheed Jordan (St. John's-SG-6'3")

"Bruce Almighty" (Bruce Levenson)

Bruce Levenson: Picture Courtesy of USA Today

Bruce Almighty, a movie created in 2003 featuring Jim Carrey, written to give the perspective of what it would be like to be a man in God's shoes for some time. In actually sitting down and focusing on the movie, there's some strong points that are pointed out that make you think about society today. What if the shoes would be on the other foot. What would be like if you did have the power. Power is the ability to control something or someone into action. Sometimes, the opportunity of having power can overdo what we are able to distinguish is right and wrong.

In this situation of Bruce Almighty I am discussing, I talk about the idea that there is a man in power with lots of money. This Bruce Almighty has a city in his hands emotionally with the power to change things with his words.  Lately, one of the biggest targets in sports is racism. The different faces it presents towards the emotions of a race of people has really taken it's attention away from the game itself. Of course, mass media is going to take everything that is said make it a major news item but this is really a concern that can make a difference.

On, another hand, racial tension is building in America more than ever. The deaths of black youth in America via the hands of whites have become a huge issue. In the same thought, Barack Obama is the President of the United States and it feels like the pressure will continue until the fear of others will decrease. You have to ask yourself, why be afraid of others and what they can do. What kind of examples does that set for the next generation that has to continue to build on a country that seems to be lacking the ability to stay constant as in a growing world.

Donald Sterling, the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, was the beginning of the frenzy that started in the sports world with racism. The idea that a human being of such wealth would come out to have words about African Americans not attending his games was not only the just the beginning but the force behind what we will continue to go through. Sterling would eventually lose his battle between his wife, lawyers and the NFL with the result in giving up his team. The price would be 2 Billion that he would receive in return but would be banned from the NBA for life.

Well, Bruce Almighty (in my thoughts) would appear again when Bruce Levenson, the owner of the Atlanta Hawks who has come out stating that he would be selling his team. The owner, announced on his own that he had made some remarks that were found racist in his eyes and didn't feel that he should be allowed to be apart of the NBA. His remarks were that they wanted to bring more suburban white people to the games. The idea that the majority of fans are Black, seemed to be not only an issue but a concern because he claimed that he wanted to connect all groups of people. In return, he felt that the 2 year old email to Hawks President Danny Ferry, would be offensive because it would make it seem like one race was more important than another.

Not sure if the 62 year old owner is making references to himself as a racist or if he is trying to keep his legacy in tact because of what he felt would have been revealed very soon. I guess it seems like Sterling has got many people under the radar and watching their backs about everything. Everything is sensitive with words and with the mass media on top of everything, you have to be very careful. The questions I pose is, are we really suppose to be surprised about these actions? Is it really that big of deal because of their idea of what they are trying to do with their business?

If you are looking for the email to see what was exactly said, Please check out the article by USA Today Sports via http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/hawks/2014/09/07/bruce-levenson-racist-email-atlanta-owner-sell-team/15241591/

Homosexuality in Sports...A Distraction?

Jason Collins Picture Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Everybody these days continue to be scared of the elephant of the room. 1 problem against that idea!... The elephant isn't scared of the size of the room and doesn't plan on shrinking any time soon. The elephant name is Homosexuality or what others like to call "Gay". In the past 2 years, homosexuality has become a stage in athletics. It has created large eye popping situation for people around the world that live on both sides of this support fence.

In April of 2013, Jason Collins, did not become the beginning of homosexuality in sports. He became an icon on a enormous stage for this 3 letter word.."Gay" in sports. Jason is the twin brother of Jarron, who became an NBA player in 2001 and has been in the league ever since. He became the first actively open gay player in the NBA which happened in 2014 when he joined the Brooklyn Nets and worked through 2 10 day contracts to get a roster spot for the rest of the season. Collins not only signed with Brooklyn but sold a large number of jerseys on the way.

Michael Sam Picture Courtesy of CBS Sports

The Brooklyn Nets jumped in popularity and brought a large majority crowd of homosexual supporters. He became the face until Michael Sam. Michael Sam in February of 2014 made the announcement after a outstanding college senior season when he won Co-Defensive player of the year for the SEC. After the combine, he entered the conversation of a player that would drop in stock. Usually the Defensive POY for the SEC goes in the 1st round of the draft and this didn't seem like the case for him. He became the face of a player just wanting to play football but had the stage to state his case as an open Gay player in the NFL.

During the 2014 NFL Draft, Sam became the talk of the town. People wanted to hear his story but the story would not help his draft stock. He was drafted late in the 7th round to the St. Louis Rams that had some of the best defensive lineman in the league. He would perform during preseason but be cut by the St. Louis Rams. This would come even though, Sam would sale a large number of jersey, ranking him 6th in the NFL.

Now...Does this draw the world distraction? These 2 guys are the biggest 2 on the stage of athletes with homosexuality. The thing about their career is, it's not staying on a steady pace. The idea of having a player around a male dominate locker room who is homosexual seems to be the topic. There are so many teams that are passing on both players and they seem to not have a place in athletics with the feeling that the distraction will become bigger than the game itself. It has been noted for both players that they will be judged on their game alone and the decision for their career will rest solely on that.

There has since been other players in different worlds that have come out and helped the cause for homosexuality in sports such as Brittney Griner and Chip Sarafin. Will this trend of announcing your homosexuality in sports continue? Is it important to know that athletes are homosexual? Will homosexual players get a fair share with their career? Is the word distraction correct for homosexuality in sports? Should homosexuality be allowed to be promoted through sport? Is the world of sports ready for homosexuality?