* It was a crossroads battle in boxing last night between Fernando Vargas and Shane Mosley. Win and you can mandate top dollar against the biggest names in the sport. Lose and you're in danger of fading into oblivion.
Mosley won the fight with an impressive 10th round TKO at 1:22 after referee Joe Cortez decided Vargas' left eye was too swollen to continue.
I must've been watching the wrong fight. After nine rounds I had Mosley winning seven of them. He blew up Vargas' eye with a blow to the brow in the first round and punished him repeatedly through out. The judges at ringside apparently saw things different. At the time of the stoppage, two judges had Mosley ahead, but by only one point. The other (Patricia Jarman) had Vargas ahead by one.
In the true spirit of boxing, Vargas refused to accept defeat graciously. He didn’t' think the fight should have been stopped, notwithstanding his left eye looking it’d been digitally tampered by Adobe Photoshop.
Vargas is only 28-years old, but it's an old 28. He's been knocked out in his three biggest fights (Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad) and he's taken extraordinary punishment in each. All three have come at Mandalay Bay in Vegas. It might be smart to never step foot in that building again.
For Mosley he'll wisely take advantage of the mild upset victory and turn his focus to Floyd Mayweather Jr, provided he gets past Zab Judah on April 8.
* Nobody is profiting more from the NFL combine than Jay Cutler. Projected a mid-first round pick at best just a short month ago, Cutler is rising up the draft board so swiftly he might end up going in the first four picks.
First Cutler showed ridiculous strength for a quarterback, bench pressing 225 pounds 23 times. He also ran a creditable 4.77 in the 40 yard dash. But it's the arm strength and accuracy on the touch throws that have scouts drooling.
Matt Leinart chose not to participate in the throwing drills this week and he better be impressive in his April 2 pro day or he may not go second overall. The same can be said for Vince Young, who's mechanics are already coming into question.
By the time April 29 comes around, Cutler may be the second player taken overall. At worst, he's a lock for the top ten.
* On the subject of prospect quarterbacks, Alabama's Brodie Croyle is solidifying himself as the fourth best quarterback in the draft with a strong combine. He's overtaken Omar Jacobs, Charlie Whitehurst and Kellen Clemons on a lot of draft boards and could go early in the third round.
Other players seeing their stock rise this weekend include running back Joseph Addai, guard Charles Spencer, wide receiver Chad Jackson and tackle Andrew Whitworth.
* The Redskins are putting quarterback Patrick Ramsey on the trade market. They’re hoping to acquire a second rounder for him but a third rounder, maybe even early fourth is more likely given the surplus befitting in free agency.
The Jets and Titans could be potential takers. Just because roughly everyone has them taken a QB on draft day, that's not etched in stone. D'Brickshaw Ferguson and Mario Williams could be franchise players these teams would rather build around and trade for a QB like Ramsey or sign a free agent like Aaron Brooks or Josh McCown.
* As expected, New England saved $5.1 million from their salary cap by cutting cornerback Duane Starks. Expect the New York Giants to be among the first on the phone for an interview. With Will Allen a free agent, Terrel Buckley and Corey Webster are currently the top two corners. That's not going to cut it. Chicago's Jerry Azumah is likely to get a long look as well by New York, who won't be able to afford both.
Any corner would be wise to want to come to New York. A corner is only as good as the pass rush in front of them and nobody gets after the quarterback like the New York defensive end trio of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora.
* Raheem Brock's $11 million dollar contract just signed by Indianapolis all but ensures pending free agent defensive tackle Larry Tripplett won't be back. Buffalo, Arizona and Green Bay could be a possible future destination.
* Match play in golf can be very exhilarating. Nothing in the sport is more climactic than seeing a Tiger vs. Vijay 36 hole finale. But when you put 64 players in one field it comes with the danger of upsets and that's exactly what happened Friday.
ABC execs watched in terror as Woods, Singh and Phil Mickelson all lost in the third round. Jeff Ogilvy and Davis Love was not the final pairing they envisioned.
* If anyone though the Cleveland Cavaliers had grand delusions of challenging Detroit for the Eastern Conference title, Sunday's game was evidence that's a long way from happening. Detroit never trailed and won, 90-78 in a game that wasn't as close as the score might suggest. Lebron James was "held" to 22 points, 9 rebound and 7 assists. Meanwhile, Ben Wallace had 19 rebounds and the Pistons big men were toying with them.
But take heart, Cav fans. It could be much worse. You could be rooting for the New York Knicks, winners in two of their last 21 games.
Hey, I noticed your name popped up in another blog and good things were said of you, I decided to check you out for myself and if this is any indication of your writing then the praise is well deserved. I used to be a boxing freak, but far to many #### up decisions chased me away, I grew tired of watching a fighter totally dominate a fight only to inexplicatly lose. You seem to be a well rounded sports fan with the ability to express your opinions in a very well spoken manner, on my favorites list you go and I thank the people at "NGS2 who you got?" For the heads up on your blog, good post!
I've always been a boxing fan, but it gets tough to put your heart in something controlled by three individuals. There's nothing more depressing than watching a guy fight for his life for 10-12 rounds only to have it taken away but either corrupt or incompetent judging. I'm not a fan of De La Hoya, but he was literally ROBBED against Mosley before, and it's not the only time it's happened. Unfortunately, it happens far too often.
Pat - You're killing me. It's Leinart - no H. It's also Croyle, not Croylie! I like your article and you always have good info so keep an eye on this stuff.
Ramsey might draw attention from the Raiders if the asking price drops to their 3.5 pick, but I doubt it. He seems suited to join the Jets who are ready to suit up Broadway Joe here pretty quick.
Thanks for the praise.. I've been wondering about the Raiders QB situation.. Who do they sign in the cap shape they are in? I'm thinking that if Fiedler gets past the Jets he'll be there for Oakland? From what I've seen of him at the combine, I'd be all over him.
Pat - I can't turn my "editor" off. Believe me, I wish I could.
That being said, I think you mean Cutler not Fiedler right?
The Raiders haven't totally cut out Collins yet, and their future QB still could be Andrew Walter. If the former Sun Devil hadn't suffered a groin injury that lingered all season he might have started at the tail end of the year. 2006 might not be "his time" but I doubt the Raiders will go QB in round 1 unless it is Vince Young, who they have interviewed.
It could go a lot of different ways. I would like to see them dump Collins unless he takes a severe pay cut obviously. How much is another team really willing to pay him at this point? If he goes, the salary can go more towards defense while they sign a decent QB off the scrap heap. 2006 is not going to be a playoff year & as such they shouldn't overpay. Not that this has stopped them in the past.
I know, this is cloudy but until the first shoe drops (decision on Collins) it is just too tough to predict.
hahah you see dude, Fielder and Cutler, I just predicted the 2006 bust!
I cant see any way they keep Collins. They need all the money they can get for defense. Then again, with a sub-par QB do you really think Moss will stay under the controversy radar gun again?
I don't remember what post you commented on, but I do recall you suggesting Woodson may be better served as a free safety. I tend to agree with that. I got a feeling he may end up in New York (Giants)
Pat - It could have been anywhere that I said it, possibly on the guy who had the top 10 FAs & included Woodson.
What people don't know is that basically Charles acted as almost a free safety THIS YEAR. He would roam around quite a bit. His namesake Rod Woodson made a very successful transition to that spot & possibly on another team he might too.
Good information once again Pat. I love the photo of Vargas and also I believe Cutler and Croyle could both end up better than Matt Leinart. Young on the other hand should have a good NFL career if on the right team. If it is NO, he will be a bust. If TN, he might do very well.
Great pic, but Mayweather is going to murder judah, and mosley. Cutler = Boller and Jackson is a receiver from Florida, need I say more. Ramsey should have demanded a trade after week 1 and New York has needed corners for the last 10 years. The Colts are showing how "bright they are in regards to that signing of Brock(who?). New England has good young corners and probably wil draft a good young safety to replaced Rodney Harrison , who is finished. The Pistons did toy with the Cavs.
* It was a crossroads battle in boxing last night between Fernando Vargas and Shane Mosley. Win and you can mandate top dollar against the biggest names in the sport. Lose and you're in danger of fading into oblivion. 
