Water Cooler – November 16th, 2010
Here we go with today’s sports water cooler talk. Here, you won’t just find the straight news; you’ll find the stuff everyone is talking about – the ice breakers, the Twitter Sports Picks and topics…well, basically all the stuff you discuss at the water cooler.
Enjoy!
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Before we jump into the ridiculous contracts and fights with coaches, let’s open the day with some positive news: everything to do with Mr. Michael Vick.
NFL news: Michael Vick has game for the ages; Redskins extend Donovan McNabb
With each unbelievable game, Michael Vick seems to be making fans forget more and more about his dark days. Last night’s ridiculous effort against Washington takes the cake. In the Philadelphia Eagles’ 59-28 victory over the Redskins, Vick became the first player in NFL history to have at least 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in the same game. He also hasn’t fumbled or thrown a pick in six games this season. The man has been perfect.
Not so perfect: Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins. Despite McNabb’s ho-hum season to date, despite the fact that coach Mike Shanahan benched him for poor cardio/playbook knowledge two weeks ago, the Redskins signed McNabb to an extension yesterday. The deal is worth $78 million over five years with a reported $40 million in guaranteed money. Almost seems like owner Dan Snyder is flipping Shanahan the bird.
Naturally, Terrell Owens just had to comment on the deal. He tweeted: “How do u justify a 78 million dollar contract w/this type of performance?”
MLB news: Feliz, Posey win Rookie of the Year awards; Marlins “aggressively” shopping Dan Uggla?
The American and National League Rookie of the Year Awards were handed out yesterday and there were no surprises. More so than in some recent seasons (ahem, Chris Coghlan, ahem, Bobby Crosby, ahem, Angel Berroa), both leagues had very appealing choices.
Rangers closer Neftali Feliz pitched on a first-place team and set a Major-League rookie record with 40 saves. Pretty easy choice – with respect to Austin Jackson, who was very good as well this year. Buster Posey caught an amazing Giants pitching staff as a 23-year-old rookie and batted .305 with 18 homers and 67 RBI in 108 games. Once again, very easy choice.
It looks like Dan Uggla won’t get his wish to re-sign with the Florida Marlins. Reportedly, the Fish are “aggressively” shopping him. Needless to say, a second baseman with four straight 30-homer seasons has plenty of suitors, including the Blue Jays, Nationals and Cardinals.
NBA news: Tayshaun Prince and coach have heated argument; LeBron for Time’s Person of the Year?
It was no Sprewell/Carlesimo but Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince needed security to separate him from coach John Kuester last night during a heated exchange. Kuester motioned for security to remove Prince from the bench after they argued about Prince struggling to defend a three-pointer from Reggie Williams late in Detroit’s 101-97 loss to Golden State. Prince hinted after the game that this type of argument could happen again.
I guess Time’s Person of the Year doesn’t always have to grab positive headlines, as LeBron James is among the magazine’s 25 candidates for the award. Nominated against the likes of President Obama and the Chilean miners, LeBron suggested that “it’s too much.” Agreed.
NHL news: Islanders fire Scott Gordon
After 10 straight losses, the New York Islanders finally decided on a coaching change. They fired coach Scott Gordon yesterday. Gordon was in his third year as coach with the team. Wow. Raise your hand if you knew that. How did he keep a job with the Isles for more than two full seasons? Impressive.
The Islanders replaced Gordon with Jack Capuano, coach of their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Comments are welcome below!
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