YELLOW 'MELO

Carmelo Anthony needs to stand his ground. If it really is what he wants, then he needs to make it clear that it's Knicks or bust. It has been apparent from the start of the season that Anthony has been trying to avoid the same fallout Lebron had after the "Decision," but it's not working anymore. The team is struggling. The fans are starting to boo. Something must be done now.

Carmelo will be traded by the deadline. Both sides could only be considered idiots if this didn't happen. Some of the Nuggets front office came over from Toronto last year, and don't want a repeat of the Chris Bosh situation. (Bosh ultimately declined all trades and left as a free agent, giving Toronto nothing back in return.) It behooves Carmelo to have a deal done to guarantee himself money should the impending lockout make cut backs to things like the salary cap, or terms of player deals. Some say that Anthony would accept a trade to the Nets and sign an extension because its close to NY and the Knicks. They're wrong. It still is not the Knicks. Example: The Clippers and Lakers are so close to each other that play in the same building. You know what the difference between playing for the Clippers and playing for the Lakers is though? Everything. The Lakers stand for great players, tradition, champions, a worldwide fan base, etc. Same for the Nets in place of the Knicks argument. Different fans, different history, different sense of passion every time you hit the court. Plus he would be part of a team, not the entire team.

I suppose the real question here would be why is Carmelo Anthony even in this position? Why didn't he just take a three year extension with Denver that would have ran its course this past summer, than the four year deal he's currently stuck in? Did he want to be the center of attention and not have to take a back seat to James, Bosh, and Wade, and it just backfired? Or was his agent simply greedy and wanted more guaranteed money for himself? Had Carmelo signed a three year deal, the Knicks would have signed him last summer with all of the unused cap space that didn't go to Lebron, and he would already have his wish. Whatever happens, and hopefully it happens soon, I hope Carmelo stands pat and makes himself heard. It is his future and his legacy after all, so why not take control of it. Every time he is passive with the media, he sets himself up for the Lebron fall out he so desperately doesn't want. He may be a killer on the court, but the way things are playing out off it shines a new light. A bright yellow one.

BOWL REVIEW

College football is far and away my most favorite sport to follow. So one last chance to write about it before it goes dormant is tough to pass up. Now that all of the bowl games have been played out, here are some quick thoughts.

If you bet along with the Finerside, you're a winner. Myself, along with all of our staff here (which is still just myself), were 24 - 11 picking bowl game winners. Perhaps there's a future for me being as a bookie after all. My predictions for the two best games were accurate, except I would flip them. I initially had the title game 1, and the Rose Bowl 1A. I realize the championship came down to a last second field goal, but there was little drama in it. Oregon gave up the big play on the final drive early, so the last 90 seconds was mostly Auburn killing the clock, and then kicking the worlds shortest field goal. On the other hand, I felt like the Rose Bowl lived up to all the hype of the David vs. Goliath battle, with David prevailing. TCU proved that they are the real deal, and very deserving of their #2 rank in the final polls. It's just too bad they never had that chance before the bowl season started. Best prediction: TCU. It wasn't Appalachian State over Michigan, but still not too shabby a pick. Worst prediction: Nebraska. My sincere apologies to Washington and Husky Nation. Although everyone I know personally from Husky Nation was drinking heavily in anticipation of the same thing I was. Is it crazy to think the UW football team may have as many road wins as its basketball team?

Best player to leave for the pros: Nick Fairley, Auburn. Not quite as naturally strong as Suh was last year, the man is a game changer as evident in the title game. Best player coming back: Andrew Luck, Stanford. Whenever the sure fire #1 pick returns to your school it's a good thing. Regardless of who Stanford finds to replace Harbaugh at head coach, Luck should continue to shine all year long. Best Team: Oklahoma. Not too many teams go 12 - 2 in what could still be considered a rebuilding year. Next year this team returns a lot of its current roster, and has a top 5 recruiting class on its way in. Scary. Biggest rebuilding team: TCU. I chose TCU for two reasons. One, they lose a lot of their big players. Coach Gary Patterson has to prove if he has built a program, or just one amazing team. Two, TCU makes the move to the Big East where they should still be the top dog, and in return win maybe one or two basketball games all year in conference. The change gives them a better opportunity to climb the rankings though with a higher preseason position, and reach their ultimate goal of making the title game. Hopefully that's enough incentive to return as strong as ever.

The new season is 7 months away, but who cares? With all of the big name coaching changes and conference shakeups, there will be plenty to discuss. Hell, the NFL Network strings people along all year re-airing the draft 5 times a day until its relevant again in November, so why should it be any different for college fans.

Chip Change

One year later, and the same result. An excellent Oregon team ends its season with a loss. Difference is, last year the players lost it out on the field. This year the coach lost it from the sidelines. Chip Kelly is an unbelievable coach who's uptempo style offense is something that needs to be seen to be believed. His play book is innovative, fast, and out for blood. Yet somehow I feel like he got away from it too much in last nights BCS title game, and possibly even panicked. Oregon left a lot of points off the scoreboard early on and late in the game, and I felt alot of it had to do with the play calling. Highlight example: Late in the game Kelly runs a successful fake punt, and on the next play catches Auburn sleeping with a deep ball that gets taken down to around the 2 yard line. As the Oregon receiver was stumbling towards the goal line, my initial thought was he better get in or they may not score. Four plays later, first and ten Auburn from the one yard line. I don't mind the fact that Oregon went for the TD, mainly because if you watched them at all this year you knew it was four down territory. What I didn't like though was the bland play calls, especially for an innovator like Kelly. Four predictable option runs, four stops. The same for an early possession, that led to a field goal instead of a TD. Oregon had only 75 yards on the ground, but 375 through the air. Yet they continued to pound the ball with no real gain. In the third quarter they had two first and ten conversions in succession on a wide receiver screen pass, and never went back to it. What happened to these plays? On their second two point try of the night, Oregon QB Darren Thomas rolled out and threw the ball for an easy conversion. Where was that when it would have counted for six? I'm still baffled at how Kelly gave the okay on two different kick return trick plays, but couldn't find something else for his team down where the game is lost and won. All the credit to both defenses for making both coaches have to reevaluate their game plans with inspired play. Auburn prevailed in the race to adapt though, evident by their 21 yards in the first quarter, and 250+ in the second quarter. Chip Kelly is an excellent coach that should find himself the opportunity to be a champion again. Hopefully next time he'll be ready.

WILD CARD WEEKEND

As the road to the Super Bowl got underway this past weekend, I share with you my thoughts on the games and those moving on.

SEAHAWKS 41 - SAINTS 36
Rarely is it a shock when an underdog knocks off a favorite in any professional sport. Even if a team is bad in comparison to the others around its respective league, the members of that team are still in the top 1% of people who play that sport. They are pros for a reason after all. Still, this game was a big surprise. Being a ten point underdog, at home and in the playoffs, is almost unheard of. The Saints offense performed well, but the injuries at the running game really hurt them in establishing a balanced attack. More importantly, a defense that was ranked fourth in the league was beat all day long, culminating in an unbelievable run by Marshawn Lynch that had more broken tackles than a Bass Pro Fisherman event. Lots of credit has to go to Matt Hasselbeck and the offense as well. The receivers route running was stellar, and Hasselbeck made all the throws. Next week the Seahawks travel to Chicago, where they should meet the end of their season. The Bears defense is relentless and reliable. Without the "12th Man" at Qwest behind them, I expect the 'Hawks to lose big. PREDICTION: BEARS 27 - SEAHAWKS 10

JETS 17 - COLTS 16
Last year the Colts sent the Jets packing en route to the big one down in Miami. This year the Jets flipped the script behind a revamped defense and a beat up Colts offense. It also helps when your running back duo combines for over 200 yards on the ground. Of all the high profile moves in the off season, LaDanian Tomlinson has provided the best return on his dollar. Peyton Manning was still his old self, moving the Colts into field goal winning position before the defense gave it back, but you have to wonder if this is the beginning of the end. Manning is still an elite QB, but it seems continuing to carry the offense by himself may be too much to ask. Next week the Jets renew their war of words with the Patriots in Foxboro, where they should be shown the exit. The Jets do a very good job of disguising Mark Sanchez's typical so so play, but gimmicks don't work against the best in football. Especially in their own house. PREDICTION: PATRIOTS 31 - JETS 17

BALTIMORE 30 - CHIEFS 7
Look out. When the Baltimore offense performs as well as they did Saturday, they are as tough to beat as anyone else in the league. Ray Rice and the ground game was productive as usual, but I felt alot of that success was due to Joe Flacco's ability to spread the ball around. The Ravens defense may be old, but its still a league front runner and had 5 turnovers to show for it. Jamaal Charles' one big run excluded, the Chiefs were unable to open up their offense at all. An offense that goes three and out make for a weary defense. A weary defense makes for extra running room and holes in the coverage. Next week the Ravens head to Pittsburgh. These games are always physical, low scoring tests of will. Another slug fest seems imminent. PREDICTION: BALTIMORE 15 - PITTSBURGH 13

PACKERS 21 - EAGLES 16
This is one of those games where you wonder if Green Bay won it, or Philadelphia lost it. I would say the Eagles lost it. Don't get me wrong. The Packers offense was sound, and their defense was very well prepared for Mike Vick and his run/pass style offense. Still, as bad as the Eagles played the difference in the game were two chip shots for an otherwise clutch kicker, and they had a better than average chance for a go ahead score in the final minutes. More production on the offensive side of the ball likely would have led to a 10 point win. Next week the Packers head to Atlanta in a showdown of two of the leagues best young quarterbacks. The breakdown match up at position and sides of the ball is close on all accounts, except for the Packers defensive line and Falcons run game. This should be the highest scoring game of the weekend. PREDICTION: FALCONS 34 - PACKERS 28

DON'T CALL IT LUCK

At approximately three o'clock Pacific yesterday, Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. were frantically rearranging their NFL draft boards while Jimmy Clausen was fist pumping in the mirror and all the other deutschy things he probably does in his alone time. That's because Andrew Luck declared he would be staying in school. The first thing I thought when I heard this -- "DUH!" I understand all of the cons that every player weighs when faced with the option of not leaving for the NFL. Injury, under performing, and the money are all viable reasons for making the jump early and nothing you can fault any player, past or present, for doing. When you look at Luck however, it was obvious he'd be staying for three reasons.

3. LOCKOUT
As of right now, nobody in the game of football could say for sure that there will be a season next year in the NFL. Why then would Luck leave for an uncertainty when it's not a necessity. As i said, you could never fault a person for taking sure money to better their and their families situation. From the outside looking in however, it's evident that Luck comes from a stable background. You have to appreciate his mentality here, rather than the "take the money and run" approach.

2. THE MAN'S A NERD
While I realize athletes always get somewhat of a pass when it comes to the classroom, you don't just show up everyday and get a 3.4 GPA. Especially at Stanford. This is always the first thing you should look at while wondering if a student athlete is leaving for the pros or not. Some skate by until the pros come calling, others are actually invested. It seems clear that Luck takes the classroom seriously, and has every intent of getting his degree. At any moment of any day Andrew Luck could wake up and not be able to play football anymore, but nothing could ever take away the fact that he finished school and has something waiting for him after football. If you don't think things like this are important, head over to wikipedia and look up Ryan Leaf.

1. THE MAN

I know, I know. How many times in your life will someone offer you a multi-million dollar contract. Not often. But the opportunity to make money, albeit perhaps not that much, will always present itself. Now ask yourself this. How many times do you have the opportunity to be THE MAN on a college campus? Exactly once. People once questioned Colt McCoy for passing on millions to stay at Texas. When you think about it though, why would he leave? Being THE MAN on a campus where football is king has to be worth a few million dollars. Right? McCoy may never become a champion at the next level and fall into the mediocre category, but I guarantee you he'll never forget his days at Texas. Anyone who has ever been to college knows it should be a rather entertaining last year and a half in college for Luck.

If it were me, I can't even say I would make the same choice. Being the #1 pick in any sport essentially guarantees you financial stability for the foreseeable future. So kudos to Andrew Luck. In the current sports world of big contracts and even bigger egos, its refreshing in remembering that you do have the option of saying no. Besides, who wants to play for Carolina anyways. Although, with that deutsche bag Jimmy Clausen at the helm, chances are they'll have the top pick again next year too.

THE WAITING GAME

In 1998, the MLB was in bad shape. The Yankees were back on top which is always good for business, but the 1994 - '95 strike left such a bad taste in everyone's mouth. Suddenly America's game was taking a backseat to the other major sports. In come Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa as they effectively carried the entire sport on their back while chasing down Roger Maris' single season home run record of 61. McGuire would end with 70, Sosa 66. No offensive letdown was in sight as home runs went up and up and the new record was pushed to 73 by Barry Bonds. Baseball was back. Baseball was profitable. Baseball was in trouble.

In 2003, a mysterious liquid. "the clear." was anonymously mailed to the USADA. An undetectable steroid, it is traced back to a variety of places. Most notably to BALCO Labs, and Victor Conte. Their biggest client: Barry Bonds. Uh oh. Over the next four years, more and more of the games greats were exposed as cheaters, culminating at the end of 2007 with the Mitchell Report and its complete list of those known to take steroids. Rather then all at once, names were leaked one bombshell at a time. When the dust settled, dozens of sure fire, first ballot hall of famers had their names and legacy tarnished. As time went on, the game cleaned itself up. A stricter drug test regimen seemingly always leads to one suspension a year for some dope, pun intended, that didn't get the memo. Baseball isn't out of the clear yet though (pun not intended). Every year it's still presented with one tough decision, and will be for the foreseeable future.

Yesterday, Rafael Palmeiro got less than ten percent of the votes needed to get into the Hall of Fame. Mark McGuire has been on the ballots for a few years now, and while the number of votes he gets continues to go up, he's still not in. Next year, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Roger Clemens join them in their first year of eligibility. To think that one of the best pitchers of the last quarter century and the home run king may never make it to Cooperstown is absurd. Plenty of people cheated and didn't put up half the numbers these guys did. Their talent alone should be worth half the votes needed. Still they did what they did, which shouldn't go without some sort of punishment. If it were me, I would say make them wait the maximum run of eligibility, or 15 years. That way every year the players, the fans, and the media can be reminded of the embarrassment and shame these players brought on themselves and the game. Sooner or later time will give way to leniency, and these guys will find their way in. The same way Pete Rose should find himself at the podium in Cooperstown some day, assuming he can pull himself away from the Forum Shops in Las Vegas for the weekend. You cant leave out the greats. You can make them wait though.

2011, A LOOK AHEAD

2010 has come and gone, and what a year it was. Perennial underdogs rose to the top (Saints, SF Giants, Blackhawks), the NBA struck gold as one of sports truest rivalries wrote a new chapter,  and heroes fell from grace (Tiger Woods, Lebron James). America even found the time to stake a claim in two forgotten sports, hockey and soccer, on a national level. So what could possibly be next? Here are stories, from three to one, sure to top the headlines as the year gets underway.

3. NCAA FOOTBALL
Feel free to look back at my first post, B(c)S, to get an understanding on my thoughts about the BCS system. Not good. The year is four days old, and the NCAA is already under some serious fire. TCU is undefeated, and looks as good as any team in the nation. Where's their title shot? Cam Newton is six days away from playing in the National Championship game. How long before his Heisman and school wins are revoked from this season? Terrell Pryor and 5 other Buckeyes broke the rules. Why are they even allowed to play and what's the lesson learned if they all use their 'Get Out of Jail Free" card and jump for the draft? There are a lot of things that college football needs to take a look in the mirror at in the coming months. It's never a good thing when the new season is still 8 months away and the media has its first story. The state of the NCAA offices and their golden child, Ohio State, are poised for the front page.

2. TIGER WOODS

One year, one month, one week, one day ago, I turned on the TV and Tiger Woods was in critical condition. If the sports world had lost him right there it had the potential of being on the level of the music world losing John Lennon. It didn't though and in the next 72 hours the world's most accomplished individual athlete fell about as far as one could imagine, landing somewhere between Lebron James and Mike Vick. Lebron lost respect and a fan base but replaced it with another. Mike Vick lost everything, plain and simple. Tiger lost money, respect, some fans, and most importantly his family. 2010 turned out to be a pretty trying time for Tiger, but as the 2011 PGA schedule gets under way in the coming month he will be front page news every time he tees it up. Mike Vick received the biggest do over an athlete has ever been awarded and returned an improved player and person. It's now up to Tiger to do the same, and I would expect the media to be documenting his every step in that direction.

1. LOCKOUT(S)

A fan of the NHL, I was disappointed when the NHL lost an entire season in 2004 - 2005. In the 1998 - 1999 basketball season, I was dumbfounded that NBA would lose half a season in addition to its biggest star in league history (Michael Jordan retired for a second time at the end of the 1998 season). In 1994, I was too young to realize the effects of a strike on the MLB. Seventeen years later I fully understand its effects, starting with a number that ends in the neighborhood of eight zeroes. As in that's probably on the low side of what the NFL and NBA could lose combined should the two suffer a lockout. A year lost from football is like losing two in any other sport. A handful of the NBA's biggest stars aren't getting younger. Both sports are cash cows, especially football, so it's hard to imagine a deal not getting done. Until that happens though, this is the biggest sports story of the year. If no deal ever gets done, we can just go ahead and change "of the year" to "of the decade."