Most recently, the "feisty" Danica Patrick and former IRL champion Dan Wheldon got into a minor altercation off the track during post-race activities at Milwaukee.  I know what you're thinking, Milwaukee has a race track? 

All across sports radio and message boards; the minor shove given off by Danica to Dan was a staple in most auto racing - themed message board.  Really it's an interesting scenario once you think about it.  Patrick and Wheldon are two of the only recognizable (with respect to Sam Hornish Jr. and Marco Andretti) drivers in the IRL. 

On one side you have Danica Patrick.  Danica is the "beautiful, delicate, feisty" driver who most women and younger males watch while Dan is a "good-looking, young, conservative" driver who most males and younger femals watch the sport for.  Danica was in that provocative FHM photo shoot and Wheldon has graced the cover of GQ.  You would think that both of them would be too scared to get into a confrontation.

Think again.

The real accident occured early in the race when Danica was in the right place at the right time in terms of moving through the field.  She was battling for fourth when she stayed where she was and Wheldon (who was up high on the track) came down into the turn.  They touched and Patrick goes off course.  That is a frustrating incident, but it was a racing incident.  Wheldon could've stayed up but due to the lack of tire rubber on the high lane, he could've easily wrecked into the wall.  Patrick, could've moved down the track" but then would've risked losing momentum.  It was a Catch-22.  NO ONE was at fault.

After some "threats" directed to Wheldon over the radio, Patrick coasted into 8th and Wheldon secured another top-5. 

The real drama came later.

While doing post-race interviews, Wheldon was grabbed by Patrick and given a slight push after she essentially said "YOUR MOM!" and stormed away complaining to high heavens.  Wheldon, in probably one of the most comedic interviews, essentially called Danica a mediocre talent.

I can definitely agree with that statement.  Please excuse me if I go off-course, but Danica is an average race car driver.  She's not the special one that will bust down barriers and in fact, is more of a whiner than a winner.  We've seen her push Jacques Lazier, stomp her feet and throwing a hissy fit like a 5-year old who didn't get the last Oreo and now this.  When Rahal - Letterman was at its peak in her rookie season (keep in mind that teammate Buddy Rice nearly won the championship the year before), Danica essentially was an average driver who finished in the bottom half of the standings (in terms of full-time drivers).  But after a mediocre season for a "savior", she moved on to arguably the top team in the Indy Racing League; Andretti-Green Racing.  She was expected to compete immediately, but has been her regular self as of late still.  Marco Andretti has already been to victory lane in his career while Patrick has not.  Due to pit strategy, she nearly had a shot at leading the Indy 500 but went on to finish 8th.  Again, average driver. 

Back to the story, Patrick would then complain about how Wheldon deserves punishment for a racing incident.  I can understand the frustration but c'mon!  Stop complaining!  You both were not at fault, like the saying goes "--it Happens". 

Wheldon should not have said what he said, either.  He really should've just kept his mouth shout or just said the second part of his statement "She picked the wrong person to be feisty, too" and that would've been fine.  Now if Danny Patrick were to hit him, that would be an immediate fine on the spot.

After the subsquent interview saga, sports radio and message boards were flooded with this topic.  Most took the side of Danica by saying one-liners such as "IT'S BECAUSE SHE'S A WOMAN THAT WHELDON IS MEAN!!!" and "DAN WHELDON IS A PANSY!".  I even heard one radio host say that it was gender-based that Wheldon felt the need to come down on her.  Why would Wheldon risk his car like that?  Hell, why would Wheldon (a champion and Indy 500 champion) even need to prove anything! 

Now this is where the title comes in.  I'm 100% certain that most fans are just trying to be politically correct when it comes to this.  Danica is "feisty" but Dan is a "pansy".  Danica continues to take advantage of her gender by skirting away with no fines or even a meaningless probation.  She hasn't won a race in the "Minor Leagues of the IRL" in the Toyota Atlantic so now she's pushing 5-6 seasons without a win.  All of her wins?  They were in go-karts. 

Also, please understand this.  I'm not a sexist.  In fact, Sarah Fisher is probably one of the most talented IRL Drivers in the sport.  She's marketable, pretty and has enjoyed success (she finished 2nd once---Danica's best?  4th) in the IRL.  Milka Duno may be a threat if she gets some IRL experience.  But keep an eye out on Katherine Legge.  She's a winner (I BELIEVE) on the Champ Car Series and I sense an eventual move to the IRL in her future.  Legge will win a race and I'll be the first one to cheer for her once it happens.  Danica races hard, you have to like that, but she also has to realize there is 18-19 more drivers who race just as hard (or harder) than her. 

Comments Appreciated.

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DISCLAIMER:  You have just opened my latest blog entry with perhaps the most corniest title known to man.  Yes, I just dipped from ESPN SportsCenter to the end of Titanic (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet) and seriously lost half of my testicle sac.  I apologize to all offended parties for this "botched joke".  I am not implying anything of you. . . . .

Is there a proper way to begin a story?  Or an improper way?  Well whatever the answer to that solution is, I'll begin by saying that I am sick of the consistent Yanks Vs. Sox rivalry talk.  I absolutely despise the constant chatter of it that hits the airwaves from "Pardon the Interruption" to "The Barry Gibb Show" (SNL Reference).  I hate the storylines and as far back as I can remember, this series has just dominated the headlines for about 4 days (sans that Boston Massacre last year). 

Sometimes I feel like they grasp at straws to make storylines.  Sometimes I feel that Joe Torre purposely doesn't call up Philip Hughes to make the storyline that much interesting.  Heck, sometimes I feel that the Yankees went after Damon just for the hell of it much like the Sox going after Daisuke Matsuzaka and his "gyro"ball.  I have so much disdain for this rivalry chatter that I have contemplated turning OFF my TV because I get to the point of pure, utter disguist of the overhyped "headlines" of this rivalry.

But I love it.

WHATTT?  You are telling me that I read a story for 2 whole minutes just for you to do a complete 180 and say you love it?  Yup, that is true. 

Let me ask you something.  I know that you are in my situation in terms of hearing the constant talk surronding this.  I can't blame you for that, as even I, used to feel some sorrow for the Sox.  I hated seeing the Yankees just dominate year in and year out but as the payroll increases; the gap closes. 

Now why do I love this rivalry? 

1)-Caliber

For starters, just look at the caliber of both its teams.  The Yankees and the Red Sox are historically, two of the better teams in MLB history.  Both teams are rich in Hall of Famers with guys like Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth (for both), Ted Williams, Carl Yaztremski, etc.  Hell, just look at the past few seasons.  You see the "elite" players in our generation with guys like David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Pedro Martinez and now Bobby Abreu, Daisuke Matsuzaka and the soon-to-be Philip Hughes and Clay Buchholz.  You just can't deny that these are usually the top tier teams come late summer.  The turnout usually stays different.

2)-Plot

Yes, I did just say that I hated the headlines but you have to admit that some of these stories are just interesting.  The Curse of the Bambino is dead, and while I do miss the constant reminders, it appears that a few more plot twists are in the future.  The Curse of the Geico Caveman with Johnny Damon?  Just look at this year's main storyline, there ALWAYS is one by the way, with the Yankees inexperienced rotation.  These guys are sending the likes of Chase Wright out there!  No offense to Wright, but I wouldn't consider you to be Roger Clemens thank you very much.  The story cultimates with Matsuzaka in his first "rivalry" game against the dreaded Evil Empire.  This is just intriguing.

3)-Emotion

Yes, the story comes full circle.  This is why I wrote this article in the first place to be honest.  I love the emotion of this game and I love seeing the fans throughout the game.  They really, really do HATE each other and I love it.  It's something that we tend to lack in with society to be political.  Yeah, we won't be seeing Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton (get it?  Massachusetts - New York?  HAHA, politics!) having dinner with each other but hatred of someone's guts over a petty thing such as baseball?  How great is this!  Just listen to the crowd, there is almost a World Series atmosphere surronding it and I do think that the teams secretly hate each other as well.  No matter what Terry Francona or Joe Torre say, they would love nothing more than to beat the other team in the AL Championship Series as the story wouldn't be good if one were to beat the Blue Jays. 

To be honest, this rivalry is overblown.  No doubt about that.  But the hatred of everything just draws me near to this series.  It's just enjoying to me, I even catch snippets if there is a blowout in the game.  Thus, this is a great rivarly....though I HATE IT!

Comments Appreciated.

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Darn Tom Gordon.

1) Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell - QB
I hate this pick still, but really I can't see CJ (who I want to go here too) as going #1 barring a trade of Randy Moss. With two WRs (and a capable one in Curry) that should be starting, I just can't see CJ going. If Moss gets traded, this changes.

2) Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn - QB
I expect Josh McCown to be dealt before the Draft and I do think they would use this pick for Quinn. Yes, Gaines Adams would be good for Detroit but I think the QB of the Future tag is needed as Kitna ages.

3) Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson - RB
Jamal Lewis is strictly a one year bet (could I guess increase) but having a star RB would definitely take pressure off throwing to Winslow and Edwards. This could help Charlie Frye at least a small amount, and I think this is one step to being a contender.

4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson - WR
This pick probably isn't as likely as it has been before but I do think that Calvin Johnson is the best athlete in this year's draft. He's an amazing talent, and I would not be shocked if OAK or DET gets CJ but if they don't; TB fans (etk, the Aussies, Canadians, etc.) should be crying tears of joy.

5) Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas - LT
I for one, do not think that Thomas is going to be the best LT in the game. But I do think that he should be a top-tier one for years to come. There is only one more piece to the puzzle needed for ARZ to contend and that's the OL. The drafting of Lutui last year and the signing of Grimm this year is one step but having a premier OT is a quantum leap (just wanted an excuse to say that word, love it).

6) Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams - DE
This is a great pick for Washington. They get a premier talent to go alongside of Andre Carter and having someone like Adams fall to #6 would be excellent for the 'Skins. They could use a DT like Alan Branch or possibly Carriker but if Adams falls; you can't pass him up.

7) Minnesota Vikings - Amobi Okoye - DT
I do hate this pick, but I can't see them wanting Jamaal Anderson as he really isn't a natural pass rusher and I find him myself to be overrated. I do know that Kevin Williams is a premier DT but Pat Williams isn't getting any younger and having the heir being Okoye could help. Stumped on this one.

8) Atlanta Falcons - LaRon Landry - S
This is consensus, Crocker is a backup and there is no one next to Milloy blah blah.

9) Miami Dolphins - Alan Branch - DT
I was stumped on this pick for quite some time. I decided that Branch would be the best pick here but nothing would shock me with this pick.

10) Houston Texans - Joe Staley - OT
Is this possible? Probably not. But I do want to mix things up here instead of the same generic Mocks over and over again. Staley's athleticism has everyone raving and I could actually see Kubiak drooling over the athletic OT for the ZBS. Staley is on the raw side but hey it's just a Mock. . . . .

11) San Francisco 49ers - Adam Carriker - DE
Perfect 3-4 DE.

12) Buffalo Bills - Patrick Willis - LB
13) St. Louis Rams - Jamaal Anderson - DE
14) Carolina Panthers - Greg Olsen - TE
15) Pittsburgh Steelers - Chris Houston - CB
16) Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch - RB
17) Jacksonville Jaguars - Reggie Nelson - S
18) Cincinnati Bengals - Leon Hall - CB
19) Tennessee Titans - Robert Meachem - WR
20) New York Giants - Levi Brown - OT
21) Denver Broncos - Jarvis Moss - DE
22) Dallas Cowboys - Brandon Meriweather - S
23) Kansas City Chiefs - Dwayne Jarrett - WR
24) New England Patriots - Michael Griffin - S
25) New York Jets - Darrelle Revis - CB
26) Philadelphia Eagles - Aaron Ross - CB
27) New Orleans Saints - Justin Harrell - DT
28) New England Patriots - Brian Leonard - RB
29) Baltimore Ravens - Justin Blalock - RG
30) San Diego Chargers - Ted Ginn Jr. - WR
31) Chicago Bears - Justin Durant - LB
Going for shock value here.
32) Indianapolis Colts - Jon Beason - LB

33) Oakland Raiders - Ryan Kalil - C
34) Detroit Lions - Paul Posluszny - LB
35) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Anthony Spencer - DE
36) Cleveland Browns - Ben Grubbs - OG
37) Chicago Bears - Arron Sears - OT
38) Arizona Cardinals - Victor Abiamiri - DE
39) Atlanta Falcons - Charles Johnson - DE
40) Miami Dolphins - Trent Edwards - QB
41) Minnesota Vikings - Dwayne Bowe - WR
42) San Francisco 49ers - Sidney Rice - WR
43) Buffalo Bills - Kenny Irons - RB
44) Atlanta Falcons - Tony Hunt - RB
45) Carolina Panthers - Lawrence Timmons - LB
46) Pittsburgh Steelers - James Marten - OT
47) Green Bay Packers - Zach Miller - TE
48) Jacksonville Jaguars - Tim Crowder - DE
49) Cincinnati Bengals - DeMarcus Tyler - DT
50) Tennessee Titans - Eric Wright - CB
51) New York Giants - Josh Wilson - CB
52) St. Louis Rams - Ray McDonald - DE / DT
53) Dallas Cowboys - Marshal Yanda - OG
54) Kansas City Chiefs - Tony Ugoh - OT
55) Seattle Seahawks - Ben Patrick - TE
56) Denver Broncos - Eric Weddle - S
57) Philadelphia Eagles - Sabby Piscitelli - S
58) New Orleans Saints - Steve Smith - WR
59) New York Jets - David Harris - LB
60) Miami Dolphins - Daymeion Hughes - CB
61) Baltimore Ravens - Drew Stanton - QB
62) San Diego Chargers - LaMarr Woodley - DE
63) New York Jets - Dan Bazuin - DE
64) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Gattis - S
----------------------------------------------------

Now in this mock, I tested some things out.  Lawrence Timmons and Dwayne Bowe probably won't fall that far on draft day.  I do think with the stacked class this year at WR, that one of those guys will fall.  Same with LB, but don't think Durant goes that high. 

I will have my finished product on April 25th hopefully.  Also, I should be working back into the "regular article" days with a few more Draft happenings. 

If you do not like the way your team's draft ended up, please reply here and I will get back to you immediately.

Comments Appreciated, AND. . . .

Visit my boards at http://z14.invisionfree.com/Sports_Net/index.php

This is perhaps the most important week of the year until the beginning of NFL Training Camps.  No, not the Quarterback Challenge, this is the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.  The Combine essentially brings all the top prospects from all over (sans West Virginia WR Brandon Myles), puts them in shorts and run them through a variety of drills, interviews, press conferences and measurements.  It is the most important week for a rookie trying to break through into the NFL and could determine where you go and cost/make you millions of dollars richer.

Now, is it worth it?  There are some aspects such as the bench press for OL and the famous 40-yard dash for the skill positions that are held in higher regard than others.  I personally feel that some aspects of the combine, such as the IQ test the Wonderlic, are unimportant as it doesn't determine anything.  It doesn't boost the measureables, show off the character or shows any personality.  You sit down with a Scantron piece of paper in front of you and you answer beneficial questions such as "What is the 10th month of the year?".  All that hoopla regarding Vince Young was unwarranted and while he didn't do well, he most likely just overlooked it and went on with his day.  It's an IQ test, it doesn't measure intelligence; it's more of a common sense type thing. 

Most anti-Combine writers feel that you can't measure a player in shorts and Under Armour.  You can definitely make a case for that, but you need to know some of the players attributes if you want him.  If he runs a 4.3 40, you can see that you have a player that has the most important gift of all, speed, and you can develop anyone with that and make a great impact player.  Agility drills for DL, LB, OL are important as you HAVE to know someone's side-to-side speed.  If they can run that in shorts and then run it in pads, then you may have well found your diamond in the rough.  If someone has the height and decent speed for that height, you learn that this player (Colston?) is worth a late-round flier and see what happens next.

In conclusion, I feel that the Combine is important for scouts, general managers, coaches, broadcasters and of course, the rookies.  You have to know where you stand amongst the other prospects and considering underclassmen can't play in the Senior Bowl; then you get a taste of these guys on a neutral surface.

Comments Appreciated.

On a side note, on my message boards we are running a FANTASY offseason.  I have about 16 teams available (including the 4th pick in the draft, the Buccaneers) and we REALLY could use more people on there.  Here's a link:

http://z14.invisionfree.com/Sports_Net/index.php?act=idx

Go to NFL, then look for "Forum Mock".  Thank you!

As the NFL season concludes with the "Pro" Bowl, the next big thing to await is the NFL Scouting Combine and the upcoming free agency period.  Hopefully I'll have a Combine article next week, but free agency is the big hot topic as of now.  So without further adu, here's a look at the top free agents.

QB-Jeff Garcia-Philadelphia Eagles

No one in the NFL has seen their stock skyrocket as much as Jeff Garcia has after leading the Philadelphia Eagles into the NFC Divisional Championship game.  But with Eagles QB Donovan McNabb coming back from an ACL tear, the 37-year old Garcia will be relegated to a backup role again.  Garcia, due to age, isn't a franchise QB but he can be a very good transitional guy for a team with a young QB waiting in the wings.  Garcia's mobility and accuracy is exclusive to the West Coast Offense so that dwindles it down.  With Brad Johnson on his last legs, and while the raw Tavaris Jackson did get his feet wet, I'd assume the Vikings would rather have him wait another year.  Vikings HC Brad Childress also runs the WCO, meaning my prediction for Garcia is to go to the Vikings.

QB-Matt Schaub-Atlanta Falcons

With the highly publicized struggles of Michael Vick, Matt Schaub is in an interesting situation.  He'll only be 26 once the season starts and if Vick struggles; don't be shocked if new HC Bobby Petrino benches Vick in favor of Schaub.  Schaub has the prototype size, strength and poise but his arm strength isn't the best out there.  His performance has been exaggerated a bit, but I think he can turn into a solid QB in the future.  But with the QB market dwindled to the draft, Schaub will probably stay with the Falcons.

RB-Ahman Green-Green Bay Packers

This is an interesting scenario for both sides in this case.  Green, 30, is probably out of his prime but had a decent season last year that helped the Packers season.  But at the other side of the stick, the Packers could use a youthful RB who can take the full load in the future (Marshawn Lynch).  Green could go to a team that's struggling to find a feature back and join a platoon to extend his career.  That team will probably be the original team, the Packers.

RB-Michael Turner-San Diego Chargers

Two seasons ago it was LaMont Jordan, last year it was Chester Taylor and this year's hot backup is Michael Turner of the Chargers.  When you are behind a guy the quality of LaDanian Tomlinson, you aren't going to get many carries and this is Turner's chance to break out of LT's shadow.  Turner can be a feature back in the NFL and teams that's struggling to find a RB are the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets.  The Lions have Kevin Jones who is adequate but injury-prone and the Jets have a plethora of backs in Leon Washington, Kevan Barlow and Cedric Houston.  I think the Lions need trumps the Jets need.

WR-Donte Stallworth-Philadelphia Eagles

A key ingredient to the success of the Philadelphia Eagles is WR Donte Stallworth.  Stallworth, 26, has the skillset to be a #1 WR but has not been able to put that together due to injuries, poor QBs and work ethic; had a great season in his initial Philly season and I expect that to continue.  The Eagles may not want to offer him a huge signing bonus, which can hurt the contract, but I can't see him leaving. 

DE-Dwight Freeney-Indianapolis Colts

The "star" of the Super Bowl Champion Colts is DE Dwight Freeney.  While Freeney had a down year with only 5.5 sacks in the regular season but that could be attributed to teams running all over Indy and an arch/shoulder injury early in the season.  Freeney is not going to leave according to Bill Polian and I expect the franchise tag to be given to him.  Freeney is one of the top pass-rushing DEs in the league and to lose him would put Indy in an interesting situation as Mathis is on the opposite end.  He stays with the Colts.

DE-Jared Allen-Kansas City Chiefs

Jared Allen is perhaps one of the most underrated players in the NFL.  He is a constant force in the backfield and had an outstanding 2006 campaign.  While he is Restricted, I would definitely expect teams to offer him high-tender deals and then signing him long-term.  KC would be ill-advised to drop Allen and I would be highly shocked if the Chiefs do not keep him.  He stays with Kansas City.

LB-Lance Briggs-Chicago Bears

This year's top defensive FA is Lance Briggs of the NFC Champion Chicago Bears.  Briggs is another one of the many great Bears Linebackers and he will most definitely be signed long-term instead of being franchised.  While being on that stingy defense can make most players look great, Briggs has been a steady force for some time.  A team could outbid the Bears but again, it would be ill-advised to let him go and look for a replacement.  He may stay with Chicago.

LB-Adalius Thomas-Baltimore Ravens

In the past two seasons, Adalius Thomas has made some noise in the NFL as one of the better LB'ers in the league.  Thomas is a ballhawk, versatile (has lined up at CB) and while 30, he still has a future ahead of him.  My prediction is that the New England Patriots will take him with the possible retirement of Tedy Bruschi and the age of Junior Seau and Mike Vrabel making Thomas part of the Patriots franchise.

CB-Asante Samuel-New England Patriots

Before this season, Samuel was considered a growing player who can be so much better in the future.  Well, 2006 definitely showcased his true talent while intercepting 10 passes in the league, tied with Champ Bailey.  Samuel is a top-tier CB and I wouldn't be shocked to see him wind up in Dallas but I expect the Patriots to retain him long-term.

CB-Nate Clements-Buffalo Bills

After being franchised last season, I expect Nate Clements to pursue a long-term deal this offseason.  Clements has been one of the better CBs in the NFL and I can't see the Bills keeping him given the payday that Clements is going to want.  But who will be the team that steps up?  I am going to go with the Dallas Cowboys as I feel that next to Terrance Newman, that the Cowboys will have one of the top CB units in the NFL.

It's going to be an interesting offseason, that's for sure and if I forgot someone; feel free to leave a comment below. 

Comments Appreciated.